Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: University of Wisconsin–Madison (Madison School & Community Recreation - MSCR)

Location: Madison, WI (Hybrid work options available)

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications / Design Operations

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute visual marketing strategies to enhance brand awareness and customer engagement for MSCR programs.

• Create compelling graphic assets across diverse media, including digital, print, and social platforms, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with marketing objectives.

• Collaborate closely with the MSCR Operations and Marketing teams to translate program goals into effective visual communications.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing workflow and meeting deadlines within a dynamic recreational environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is graphic design, the role's integration with the "Operations/Marketing team" and the emphasis on "aligning marketing and social media efforts with overall brand goals" suggest a need for understanding operational workflows and how design supports broader organizational objectives, bridging creative execution with operational efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design a wide range of marketing materials, including brochures, postcards, posters, advertisements, large signs/banners, website graphics, and social media content.

• Translate program information and marketing briefs into visually engaging and informative designs that resonate with target audiences of all ages.

• Maintain and evolve the MSCR brand identity across all visual communications, ensuring consistency in style, color, and typography.

• Collaborate with program staff and marketing team members to understand project requirements and provide creative design solutions.

• Prepare design files for print production, ensuring adherence to industry standards and quality control for various printing processes.

• Create graphics for digital platforms, including website updates and social media campaigns, optimizing for each channel's specifications.

• Contribute to brainstorming sessions for new marketing initiatives and campaign concepts.

• Assist with photography and video editing tasks as needed, enhancing multimedia marketing efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only execute creative tasks but also understand the operational aspects of creating and distributing marketing materials, including print production knowledge and digital asset management for various platforms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field is preferred. Commensurate experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record in creating marketing materials.

Required Skills:

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

• Proficiency with Canva for quick design tasks and social media graphics.

• Demonstrated ability to apply design principles and creative problem-solving to marketing challenges.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, technical skills, and creative execution.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

• High attention to detail in design execution and file preparation.

• Knowledge of print processes, production standards, and pre-press requirements.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working within a team environment.

• Ability to follow instructions and incorporate constructive feedback.

• Reliable transportation to MSCR Central and various program sites. Preferred Skills:

• Photography and video editing skills.

• Experience with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) and their design requirements.

• Strong writing skills for developing concise and effective design copy or collaborating on messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "commensurate experience" alongside a degree suggests that a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills and a deep understanding of design principles is highly valued, potentially outweighing formal education for candidates with significant hands-on experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a minimum of 2 years of design work.

• Demonstrate proficiency in core design software (Adobe Suite, Canva) through project examples.

• Include a variety of marketing collateral, such as brochures, posters, social media graphics, and digital advertisements.

• Highlight examples of creative problem-solving and how design contributed to specific marketing goals or program promotion.

• Showcase an understanding of print production requirements and digital asset optimization. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow for developing a design from brief to final asset delivery.

• Demonstrate how feedback and revisions were incorporated into design projects.

• Illustrate how design projects were managed and prioritized to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong and unique portfolio that showcases design principles, technical skills and creative problem-solving" indicates that the hiring team will be looking for more than just aesthetically pleasing designs; they will want to see the thought process and strategic application behind each piece.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $19.00 per hour.

Benefits: As a part-time position with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, benefits may be limited but could include:

• Access to University facilities and potentially discounted recreational programs.

• Opportunities for professional development and networking within a large educational institution.

• Potential for flexible scheduling within the stated working hours.

• Contribution to a public service mission within the Madison community.

Working Hours: Up to 18.5 hours per week, with regular hours between 8 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend work may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is fixed at $19.00/hour. For a part-time role of this nature in Madison, WI, this rate is competitive, reflecting the need for skilled design expertise within a public service organization. Benefits are typically more limited for part-time university roles, so candidates should inquire directly about specific offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Recreation, Education, Community Services. MSCR operates as a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), providing a wide array of recreational and enrichment programs.

Company Size: University of Wisconsin–Madison is a large public research university. MSCR, as a department, likely comprises a significant team of administrative, program, and support staff.

Founded: The University of Wisconsin–Madison was founded in 1848. MSCR, as a public recreation provider, has a long-standing history of serving the Madison community.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the MSCR Marketing Team, working closely with operations and marketing staff.

• This role likely reports to a Marketing Manager or a similar lead within the MSCR department.

• Collaboration will extend to program coordinators, administrative staff, and potentially external vendors for print services. Methodology:

• MSCR's approach is community-focused, aiming for accessibility and inclusivity across all programs.

• Marketing efforts are data-informed, seeking to understand participation trends and optimize outreach strategies.

• The team likely values a collaborative, proactive, and customer-centric approach to program promotion and service delivery.

Company Website: www.mscr.org

📝 Enhancement Note: MSCR's mission to serve the Madison community with diverse recreational and educational activities suggests a culture that values public service, community engagement, and program accessibility. The design role is integral to communicating these values and program offerings effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-to-mid-level Graphic Designer position, focusing on executing design tasks within a marketing operations framework. It offers foundational experience in visual communications for a public service organization.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a Marketing Manager or equivalent within the MSCR department, working closely with other marketing and operations staff.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts MSCR's ability to attract participants, promote programs, and maintain a strong brand presence. Effective visual communication is crucial for driving enrollment and community engagement, thereby supporting the operational success of MSCR's diverse program offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Develop a robust portfolio with diverse project examples from a public service organization.

• Gain experience in print production, digital marketing design, and social media asset creation.

• Enhance collaboration and communication skills by working with various internal stakeholders and potentially external vendors.

• Opportunity to expand into related areas like photography, video editing, or broader marketing campaign support.

• Potential for increased responsibility or specialization within the MSCR marketing team if performance is exceptional and opportunities arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: While primarily a design role, the "Operations/Marketing team" context suggests opportunities to learn about how design integrates with broader operational goals, such as program enrollment targets and community outreach metrics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office environment at MSCR Central, with potential for work at various MSCR program sites across the city. Occasional remote options are available.

Office Location(s): MSCR Central (specific address not provided) and various program sites throughout Madison, WI.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace is an office environment with frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels, requiring focus and adaptability.

• Access to standard office equipment and design software is expected.

• Opportunities for interaction with marketing and operations teams foster a collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Flexible daytime shifts between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, up to 18.5 hours per week. This allows for balancing work with other commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "occasional remote options" indicate a hybrid work model, offering flexibility. However, the need to visit various program sites suggests that local candidates or those with reliable transportation will be best suited for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and portfolios for minimum qualifications and demonstrated design skills.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design rationale, and problem-solving approaches.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or case study may be given to evaluate technical proficiency and creative thinking under timed conditions.

• Interviews: Behavioral and situational interviews to assess collaboration, communication, time management, and cultural fit with the MSCR team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to MSCR's mission and target audience (recreation, community, all ages).

• Be prepared to articulate the strategic thinking behind your designs, not just the aesthetic choices.

• Clearly label projects with your role, the software used, and the intended outcome.

• Include examples demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Suite and Canva.

• Showcase a range of work, from digital graphics to print collateral. Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a design challenge that might involve creating marketing materials for a specific MSCR program or event.

• Practice articulating your design process and justifying your creative decisions concisely.

• Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate feedback and manage deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong and unique portfolio" suggests the portfolio review will be a critical component of the selection process. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their design decisions and problem-solving capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (essential for professional design work).

• Canva: For efficient creation of social media graphics and simpler marketing collateral.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, social media engagement) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM/automation tools are specified for this role, but familiarity with how marketing assets are deployed through various channels is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified design software is non-negotiable. Familiarity with Canva is also a key requirement, indicating a need for both professional-grade design output and agile, quick-turnaround content creation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community Focus: Commitment to serving the Madison community with accessible and enriching recreational programs.

• Inclusivity: Ensuring all programs and communications are welcoming and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team to achieve shared goals in program promotion and delivery.

• Efficiency: Managing resources effectively to provide high-quality programs and services.

• Creativity: Encouraging innovative approaches to program development and marketing.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative spirit, valuing input from various departments to ensure marketing efforts align with program realities.

• Open communication and a willingness to give and receive constructive feedback are essential for a creative role within a team.

• Cross-functional collaboration with program staff, marketing colleagues, and potentially external print vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at MSCR likely emphasizes public service and community impact, with a practical, results-oriented approach to program delivery and promotion.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Consistency: Ensuring designs are innovative while strictly adhering to MSCR's brand guidelines and program objectives.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various program areas, each with potentially different priorities and aesthetic preferences.

• Adapting to Diverse Program Offerings: Designing effective visuals for a wide range of activities, from sports leagues to arts classes and outdoor pursuits.

• Working within Constraints: Producing high-quality designs within part-time hours and potentially limited budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Expand design skills by working on a diverse portfolio of projects.

• Gain practical experience in print production and digital asset management.

• Develop strong client-management and communication skills by working with internal stakeholders.

• Learn about marketing strategy and campaign execution within a public service context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a practical learning environment where a designer can hone their core skills while understanding the operational context of marketing for a community-focused organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Assesses adherence to brand, problem-solving)

• "How do you prioritize multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Assesses time management, organizational skills)

• "Walk us through your design process for creating a marketing brochure from initial concept to final delivery." (Assesses workflow, communication, technical skills) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for MSCR and the University of Wisconsin–Madison?" (Assesses cultural fit, motivation)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating constructive feedback on your designs?" (Assesses collaboration, adaptability)

• "How can graphic design contribute to the success of recreational programs?" (Assesses understanding of role's impact) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare a concise presentation of 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects.

• For each project, explain the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Be ready to discuss any challenges encountered and how you overcame them.

• Highlight your proficiency with Adobe Suite and Canva.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your ability to translate creative ideas into tangible marketing assets that support the operational goals of MSCR, emphasizing practicality and community impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Wisconsin–Madison careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to community programs, diverse audiences, and marketing collateral (brochures, social media graphics, posters).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight 2+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Suite and Canva, and any experience with print production or social media marketing. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and be ready to discuss your design process, problem-solving skills, and why you are a good fit for MSCR's mission.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with MSCR's programs and mission to articulate how your design skills can support their community outreach and engagement goals.

⚠️ 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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