Graphic Designer at University of North Florida Alumni Association

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: University of North Florida Alumni Association

Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role is instrumental in managing and creating visual content for marketing and communications initiatives, focusing on maintaining brand consistency across digital and print platforms for Arts UNF and MOCA Jacksonville.
The position involves direct contribution to content strategy and execution, ensuring all creative assets align with established visual identity standards and project timelines.
A key aspect includes proactive collaboration with various university departments to fulfill design needs and support broader organizational objectives.
This role requires meticulous attention to detail in file management and workflow adherence to ensure efficient archiving and retrieval of design projects and assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a part-time Graphic Designer position within the Marketing & Communications department, specifically supporting Arts UNF and MOCA Jacksonville. While the raw listing is for a "Graphic Designer," the context of "Marketing & Communications" and supporting museum operations strongly indicates a focus on operational aspects of design, including content management, asset creation, and brand consistency, rather than pure artistic exploration. The "part-time" nature and "entry-level" experience suggest a supportive role within a larger operations framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Assist in the strategic management and creation of print and digital content for Arts UNF and MOCA Jacksonville, ensuring a cohesive and impactful visual identity.
Develop industry-leading graphic design content that elevates the brand presence of Arts UNF and MOCA Jacksonville across all communication channels.
Plan, organize, and execute assigned graphic design projects, ensuring prompt completion and adherence to deadlines.
Proactively support Arts UNF and MOCA Jacksonville staff by providing essential design assets and creative solutions for their initiatives.
Enforce and refine Arts UNF and MOCA Jacksonville branding guidelines across all graphic design outputs to maintain high-quality standards.
Implement and adhere to a structured file management workflow for efficient archiving, retrieval, and management of all design assets and projects.
Collaborate effectively with the Director of Communications (Arts UNF) and the Marketing Coordinator to understand and fulfill project requirements and timelines.
Adapt to a flexible schedule, including potential in-person office hours, nights, and weekends, as required by project demands.
Undertake additional duties as assigned by the Director of Communications, demonstrating versatility and a willingness to contribute to broader departmental goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are common for a junior-level graphic designer supporting a marketing and communications department. The emphasis on "management," "strategy," "oversight," and "enforcement" suggests that while this is a design role, it operates within a structured operational framework, requiring adherence to established processes and brand guidelines. The need to "support staff on initiatives" and "meet with other departments" highlights the collaborative and service-oriented nature of this operational support function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles involving content creation and brand management. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education at the entry-level.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a focus on creating marketing collateral and digital assets. Experience in a museum, university, or non-profit setting is a plus.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Strong understanding of visual design principles, including typography, color theory, layout, and composition.
Experience in content creation for both print and digital media, including social media graphics, web banners, and brochures.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively.
Excellent file management skills and understanding of digital asset management (DAM) principles.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and stakeholders.
Ability to adhere to brand guidelines and maintain visual consistency across various platforms. Preferred Skills:
Experience with content management systems (CMS) for website updates.
Familiarity with social media platform best practices for visual content.
Basic understanding of photography and/or video editing principles.
Experience in a museum or higher education environment.
Knowledge of accessibility standards for digital content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description implies a hands-on design role. The "Required Qualifications" section was largely absent, so we've inferred typical skills for an entry-level graphic designer supporting marketing operations. The emphasis on "management," "oversight," and "enforcement" in the responsibilities also points to a need for organizational skills and an understanding of process, which are critical in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of graphic design projects, showcasing versatility in print and digital mediums.
Specific examples of content creation for marketing campaigns, social media, and web assets.
Case studies or examples illustrating the ability to maintain and enforce brand visual identity across different applications.
Projects that highlight efficient file management practices and organized asset delivery.
Examples of collaboration on design projects or contributions to team-based creative initiatives. Process Documentation:
Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for managing design projects from brief to final delivery, emphasizing efficiency and organization.
Understanding of file naming conventions and folder structures for effective asset archiving and retrieval.
Familiarity with design review processes and incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role supporting operations, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is not just on aesthetic quality but on demonstrating process, organization, and the ability to work within established operational frameworks (like brand guidelines and file management). This aligns with the "operations" aspect of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $19.00 per hour. This is a part-time position, so the annual salary would be approximately $39,520 based on a 40-hour work week, though actual hours may vary.

Benefits:

As a part-time employee of the University of North Florida, benefits may be limited. Specifics should be confirmed with the hiring department. Potential benefits could include:
Access to university facilities and resources (e.g., library, potentially discounted event tickets).
Professional development opportunities through workshops or training sessions offered by UNF.
Experience working within a reputable higher education institution and museum environment.
Potential for flexible scheduling to accommodate academic pursuits or other commitments.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule. While a 40-hour work week is implied by the hourly rate calculation, actual hours will likely be less and may require working in-person office hours, in addition to some nights and weekends as dictated by project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as $19.00 per hour. Benefits for part-time roles in university settings can vary significantly. The "flexible schedule" is noted, but the requirement for "some nights and weekends" indicates that operational needs may sometimes override standard work hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education & Arts/Culture. The University of North Florida (UNF) is a public university, and the Alumni Association supports its mission. The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA Jacksonville) is a component of UNF, focusing on presenting and interpreting contemporary art. This industry context implies a culture that values education, community engagement, and artistic expression.

Company Size: UNF is a medium-to-large public university. The Alumni Association and MOCA Jacksonville operate within this larger structure. The specific department likely comprises a core team of marketing and communications professionals, with this role being a key contributor to their operational output.

Founded: The University of North Florida was founded in 1972. MOCA Jacksonville became part of UNF in 2003. This history suggests an established institution with a commitment to its community and educational mission.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will be part of the Arts UNF Communications department, reporting to the Director of Communications.
This department likely collaborates closely with MOCA Jacksonville staff, other UNF departments, and the broader Alumni Association.
The team structure emphasizes functional expertise, with roles like Director of Communications, Marketing Coordinator, and potentially content creators and social media specialists. Methodology:
Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary data analysis role, the designer will likely use audience engagement data from social media and website analytics to inform visual content creation and strategy.
Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role requires adherence to established workflows for project management, asset creation, and file archiving, contributing to the overall efficiency of the communications department.
Automation & Efficiency: While direct automation may not be a core task, efficient use of design tools and templates can contribute to operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.unf.edu/, https://mocajacksonville.unf.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a university and museum setting is crucial. It implies a mission-driven environment with a focus on education, community outreach, and cultural enrichment. The operational aspect here is about supporting these missions through effective visual communications.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry Level (0-2 years). This role is designed for individuals starting their careers in graphic design, providing foundational experience in a professional marketing and communications environment. It's an operational support role within the creative function.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Communications, Arts UNF. This direct reporting line ensures clear guidance and oversight for design projects and operational adherence.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual presentation and brand perception of Arts UNF and MOCA Jacksonville. Effective design operations contribute to increased engagement, clearer communication of events and exhibitions, and a stronger overall organizational image, which indirectly supports revenue and community participation goals.

Growth Opportunities:

Operations Skill Advancement: Develop a strong understanding of marketing operations workflows, project management, and brand asset management within a structured institutional setting.
Creative Skill Development: Gain practical experience across various design applications (print, digital, social media) and refine technical skills with industry-standard software.
Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio with professional-grade work for future career opportunities in design or marketing roles.
Networking: Establish professional relationships within the UNF and MOCA Jacksonville community, potentially leading to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is primarily within the creative and operations support functions. It provides a solid foundation for a career in graphic design, marketing, or communications, particularly within institutional or non-profit sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA Jacksonville), which is part of the University of North Florida. This suggests a professional office environment within a cultural institution, likely offering a stimulating and creative atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL. This location offers proximity to cultural events and a dynamic urban setting.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with the Communications department and potentially MOCA Jacksonville staff.
Access to standard office equipment and potentially specialized design software and hardware.
The environment likely encourages creativity while emphasizing the operational need for organized workflows and brand adherence.

Work Schedule: Part-time with a flexible schedule. While the role requires in-person presence, the flexibility may allow for adjustments, though some nights and weekends may be necessary to meet project deadlines. This balance is typical for operational roles supporting dynamic environments like museums.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a museum environment offers a unique cultural experience. The "on-site" requirement is typical for roles that need direct access to resources and collaboration, common in operational support functions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative capabilities.
Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, project rationale, and how they approach brand consistency and project management.
Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or case study to evaluate problem-solving skills and proficiency with design software.
Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will assess collaboration skills, ability to work under pressure, and understanding of operational requirements like deadlines and brand adherence.
Meet the Team: Opportunity to interact with the Director of Communications and potentially other team members to gauge cultural fit and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates print, digital, and social media design capabilities.
Highlight Process: For each project, explain your thought process, design decisions, challenges faced, and how you achieved the desired outcome, especially regarding brand consistency and meeting project goals.
Demonstrate Versatility: Include a mix of project types to show breadth of skill. If you have experience with MOCA Jacksonville or UNF's branding, highlight it.
Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement on social media), be prepared to discuss them.
Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

Be ready for a task that might involve creating a social media graphic, a small flyer, or adapting an existing design to a new format, within a limited timeframe.
Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely, explaining how your solution meets the brief and adheres to brand guidelines.
Focus on demonstrating efficient use of design software and a systematic approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role in an operational setting will heavily emphasize both creative output and the ability to execute within established processes. The portfolio review is critical for demonstrating not just artistic talent but also organizational and problem-solving skills relevant to operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop (image editing, digital assets), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print materials, publications).
Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general document creation, collaboration, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary analytical role, familiarity with social media analytics dashboards (e.g., Meta Business Suite, Twitter Analytics) and website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) is beneficial for understanding content performance. CRM & Automation:
No direct CRM or automation tools are specified, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or content management systems (CMS) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable for a graphic designer. The mention of "content creation and management" implies a need to understand how design assets are deployed through various platforms, including websites and social media, which are often managed using CMS and social media management tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Collaboration: Working effectively with the Director of Communications, Marketing Coordinator, and other UNF/MOCA staff is key. This involves clear communication, responsiveness, and a team-player attitude.
Brand Stewardship: A commitment to upholding and consistently applying the visual identity of Arts UNF and MOCA Jacksonville across all materials.
Efficiency & Organization: Adhering to project timelines, file management protocols, and workflow processes to ensure smooth operations.
Creativity & Innovation: While adhering to brand guidelines, there's an expectation to bring fresh visual ideas and solutions to communication challenges.
Commitment to Mission: Understanding and contributing to the educational and cultural missions of UNF and MOCA Jacksonville through impactful design.

Collaboration Style:

Project-Based: Collaboration will often revolve around specific design projects, requiring clear briefs, feedback loops, and timely revisions.
Responsive & Proactive: The role requires being responsive to requests from staff while also proactively identifying design opportunities or potential issues.
Cross-Functional: Interaction with various departments within UNF and MOCA Jacksonville necessitates clear communication and the ability to translate diverse needs into visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances creative expression with the structured demands of an institutional operational environment. Emphasis will be placed on reliability, adherence to process, and contributing to the broader organizational mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively producing innovative designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and project briefs.
Managing Multiple Priorities: Juggling various design requests from different departments with competing deadlines and varying levels of urgency.
Adapting to Evolving Needs: Staying current with design trends and platform requirements (e.g., social media formats) while maintaining brand consistency.
Working within a Part-Time Capacity: Maximizing impact and efficiency within limited working hours, requiring excellent time management and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Mastering Design Software: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite through practical application and potential internal training.
Understanding Brand Management: Gaining hands-on experience in maintaining and evolving a visual brand identity for a cultural institution.
Marketing Operations Exposure: Learning how design fits into broader marketing and communication strategies, including content planning and asset deployment.
Portfolio Building: Creating a strong body of work that can lead to career advancement in design or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an entry-level creative role within an operational context. The growth opportunities are focused on building both technical design skills and an understanding of marketing operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your process for taking a design project from initial brief to final delivery, focusing on how you ensure brand consistency and meet deadlines." (Assesses operational workflow and project management.)
"How do you approach incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project, especially when there are conflicting opinions?" (Evaluates collaboration and problem-solving skills.)
"Can you walk us through a project in your portfolio that you're particularly proud of? What was the objective, what was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Tests presentation skills and ability to articulate design rationale.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about designing for a museum like MOCA Jacksonville and a university like UNF?" (Assesses genuine interest and cultural alignment.)
"How do you stay updated on current design trends and how might you apply them while maintaining a consistent brand identity?" (Evaluates creative awareness and adherence to operational constraints.)
"What are your expectations for a part-time role, and how do you plan to manage your time effectively to meet project demands?" (Probes understanding of role scope and time management for operational efficiency.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Start with Impact: Begin with your strongest, most relevant project. Clearly state the objective and your contribution.
Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the "why" behind your design choices – the problem you were solving, the audience you were targeting, and how your design addressed those needs.
Showcase Process: Briefly touch upon your workflow, software used, and any challenges overcome.
Highlight Brand Adherence: Emphasize how your designs align with established brand guidelines, demonstrating an understanding of operational requirements.
Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time by presenting clearly and efficiently. Be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe both creative capability and operational understanding. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, problem-solving approach, and ability to work within institutional frameworks.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations support position:

Submit your application through the UNF jobs portal link provided.
Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic design, content creation, brand adherence, and any project management or file management skills. Use keywords from the job description such as "visual identity," "print materials," "digital content," and "file management."
Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest design pieces that demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, versatility across print and digital media, and adherence to brand guidelines. Ensure it's easily accessible online.
Prepare Your Narrative: Practice discussing your design process, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of operational requirements like deadlines and brand consistency. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for a part-time role supporting a museum and university.
Research UNF & MOCA Jacksonville: Familiarize yourself with their current marketing campaigns, exhibitions, and overall brand aesthetic to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their operational communication 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.

Graphic Designer