Graphic Designer

VicGov People Careers
Full-time•Melbourne, Australia

šŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: VicGov People Careers

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Creative & Design / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

šŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role focuses on delivering essential graphic design services within a government agency, emphasizing brand alignment and accessibility for public sector communications.

  • The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating and maintaining a variety of communication materials and digital assets, ensuring adherence to Victorian Government brand standards.

  • Key aspects include collaborating with internal stakeholders to translate requirements into effective visual solutions and optimizing design processes for efficiency.

  • The position requires a strong understanding of design principles, proficiency in industry-standard software, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Based on the job title "Graphic Designer" and the employer "VicGov People Careers," this role is situated within the government sector, specifically the Victorian Public Sector Commission. The core function revolves around creating visual communication materials for government programs and engagement initiatives. The "VPS4" designation suggests a mid-level professional role within the Victorian Public Service framework.

šŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Deliver high-quality graphic design services for the Victorian Public Sector Commission's communications, engagement, and program priorities.

  • Develop and maintain accessible, brand-aligned templates, digital assets, and print materials across various formats, ensuring compliance with government standards.

  • Produce professional design outputs using Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, collaborating with internal stakeholders to understand needs and deliver effective visual solutions.

  • Manage design tasks, prioritize competing demands, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality work that meets accessibility, quality, and Victorian Government brand standards.

  • Proactively identify and implement improvements to design templates, assets, workflows, and overall design processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Partner with internal teams to conceptualize and execute visual strategies for campaigns, events, and ongoing communication initiatives.

  • Ensure all design outputs are inclusive and adhere to accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) to reach a diverse public audience.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are derived from the provided description, focusing on the core tasks of a graphic designer within a government context. Emphasis is placed on brand compliance, accessibility, stakeholder collaboration, and process improvement, which are critical for public sector design roles.

šŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a relevant tertiary qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience is anticipated, with a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in creating diverse communication materials. Experience within a government or large organizational setting is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Demonstrated expertise in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for creating professional design assets.

  • Microsoft Office Proficiency: Ability to create and format documents, presentations, and reports using Word, PowerPoint, and potentially Excel.

  • Visual Communication Skills: Strong ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing visual designs.

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy in typography, layout, color, and adherence to brand guidelines.

  • Accessibility Standards Knowledge: Understanding and application of accessibility principles (e.g., WCAG) in design for public sector materials.

  • Stakeholder Management: Ability to collaborate effectively with internal clients, understand their needs, and manage feedback constructively.

  • Project Management: Skills in managing multiple design tasks, prioritizing workload, and meeting deadlines consistently.

  • Brand Alignment: Proven ability to design within established brand guidelines and maintain consistency across various outputs.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing for government or public sector organizations.

  • Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or web design principles.

  • Knowledge of video editing or motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects).

  • Experience with user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles.

  • Understanding of print production processes and specifications.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: These skills are inferred from the job description's emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, visual communication, stakeholder collaboration, and adherence to government brand and accessibility standards. The experience level is estimated based on the VPS4 classification.

šŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Diverse Design Examples: Showcase a range of projects including digital assets (web banners, social media graphics), print collateral (brochures, reports, posters), and template designs.

  • Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate the ability to adhere to and effectively apply established brand guidelines.

  • Accessibility Focus: Highlight projects where accessibility considerations were a key part of the design process, such as creating accessible PDFs or presentations.

  • Stakeholder Collaboration Examples: Briefly describe projects where you worked closely with stakeholders to achieve specific communication objectives through design.

  • Workflow and Process Improvement: If possible, include a case study or description of how you improved a design process or workflow.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design and Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, from brief to final delivery, and how they optimize it for efficiency.

  • Template Development and Management: Ability to document the process of creating and managing reusable design templates for consistent output.

  • Feedback and Iteration: Understanding of a structured process for receiving, incorporating, and managing feedback from stakeholders.

  • Quality Assurance: Processes for ensuring design outputs meet required standards (brand, accessibility, technical specifications) before final delivery.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, a portfolio is crucial. This section outlines typical expectations for showcasing design capabilities, with a specific emphasis on government sector requirements like accessibility and brand compliance. The "process documentation" aspect is inferred from responsibilities like "Improve templates, assets, workflows and design processes."

šŸ’µ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a Victorian Public Sector (VPS) role, the salary will be aligned with the VPS Enterprise Agreement. For a VPS4 level, the typical salary range in Victoria, Australia, as of late 2023/early 2024, would be approximately AUD $75,000 - $85,000 per annum, depending on experience and specific agency remuneration structures. This is a part-time role, so the salary would be pro-rated accordingly.

Benefits:

  • Flexible and Hybrid Work: Opportunities for flexible working arrangements and hybrid work models, allowing for a better work-life balance.

  • Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to ongoing training, professional development programs, and opportunities to enhance design skills and knowledge.

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

  • Wellbeing Initiatives: Programs and resources aimed at promoting employee health and wellbeing.

  • Inclusive Work Environment: Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and provides equal opportunities.

  • Workplace Adjustments: Provision for reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities, mental illness, or health conditions.

  • Superannuation: Standard employer superannuation contributions as per Australian legislation.

Working Hours: This is a part-time, ongoing position. The exact number of hours per week will be negotiated but is typically around 15-25 hours for a part-time role at this level, allowing for flexibility.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical VPS4 bandings in Victoria, Australia. Benefits are directly extracted from the job posting. The working hours are inferred from the "Part-time" designation.

šŸŽÆ Team & Company Context

šŸ¢ Company Culture

Industry: Government / Public Sector (Victorian Public Service)

Company Size: The Victorian Public Sector is vast, employing hundreds of thousands of individuals across numerous departments and agencies. The Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) itself is a significant entity within this structure, focused on public sector reform and capability.

Founded: The Victorian Public Service has a long history, dating back to the establishment of the Colony of Victoria. The VPSC's specific structure and mandate have evolved over time.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will be part of the Programs and Engagement branch, specifically within the Engagement and Events team at the VPSC.

  • This team likely collaborates closely with various internal departments and external stakeholders to support public sector initiatives.

  • The reporting structure would typically involve a manager or team leader within the Engagement and Events team. Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Communications: Design outputs are expected to support strategic government directions and be informed by communication objectives and target audience needs.

  • Process Improvement: A culture that values continuous enhancement of workflows, templates, and design processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Collaboration and Partnership: Emphasis on working closely with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and co-create solutions.

  • Standards Adherence: Strict adherence to Victorian Government brand guidelines, accessibility standards, and quality benchmarks.

Company Website: https://careers.people.vic.gov.au/

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the employer name "VicGov People Careers" and the role's placement within the "Victorian Public Sector Commission." The focus is on the nature of government work, team structure, and expected methodologies.

šŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as VPS4, which is a mid-level professional position within the Victorian Public Service. It signifies a level of responsibility where individuals are expected to work with autonomy on defined projects, contribute to process improvements, and manage competing priorities.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or team lead within the Engagement and Events team of the Programs and Engagement branch at the VPSC. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for independent execution of design tasks.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the VPSC's ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, promote public sector integrity and professionalism, and support strategic government directions. High-quality, accessible design ensures that critical information reaches the intended audience and enhances the VPSC's public image.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as accessible design, digital asset creation, or template system management.

  • Cross-Functional Projects: Involvement in projects with other teams within the VPSC or broader government departments, expanding understanding of public sector operations.

  • Process Improvement Leadership: Potential to lead initiatives for improving design workflows, introducing new tools, or developing best practices within the team.

  • Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior designers or communication professionals within the VPSC and potentially mentor junior staff as experience grows.

  • Further Public Sector Roles: This role can serve as a stepping stone to other design, communications, or project management roles within the Victorian Public Service.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The career analysis is based on the VPS4 classification, which is a standard within the Victorian Public Service. Growth opportunities are inferred from typical career paths in design and public sector environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as Hybrid. This suggests a combination of working from the office and remotely. The VPSC likely operates from modern, professional office spaces designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Melbourne, VIC 3000, which is the central business district. This location offers excellent accessibility via public transport. Specific office details would be provided upon inquiry or during the onboarding process.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The Engagement and Events team likely fosters a collaborative atmosphere where designers work alongside communication specialists, project managers, and policy advisors.

  • Access to Technology: Employees will have access to standard office technology, including computers equipped with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, as well as necessary communication tools.

  • Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project discussions, and informal interactions are expected, both in-person and virtually, to ensure alignment and shared understanding.

Work Schedule: As a part-time role, the working hours will be negotiated but will likely be structured to align with team needs and project deadlines. Flexibility may be offered within the hybrid work arrangement, allowing for focused work both in the office and remotely.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement is directly stated. The office environment description is a typical inference for a government agency in a major city like Melbourne.

šŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Application Review: Screening of CV and cover letter against the stated requirements.

  • Portfolio Submission/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their design work. This will be assessed for creativity, technical skill, brand adherence, and accessibility considerations.

  • Interview Stage(s): Typically involves one or more interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other team members. Questions will focus on design experience, technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, stakeholder management, and cultural fit.

  • Skills Assessment/Task: A practical design exercise or case study may be included to assess on-the-spot creative thinking and technical application.

  • Reference Checks: Verification of previous employment and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to meet government standards for branding, accessibility, and communication effectiveness.

  • Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, and the outcome. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills.

  • Highlight Accessibility: Explicitly point out how you incorporated accessibility principles into your designs.

  • Tailor to Government: If you have previous government or public sector design experience, ensure these projects are prominently featured.

  • Organize Clearly: Present your portfolio in a logical, easy-to-navigate format (e.g., PDF, dedicated website).

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the VPSC: Research the Victorian Public Sector Commission's mission, values, and current strategic priorities. Understand the role of design in government communications.

  • Review Design Standards: Familiarize yourself with the Victorian Government's branding guidelines and accessibility standards for digital and print materials.

  • Prepare Design Scenarios: Think about how you would approach common design challenges, such as creating an accessible infographic from complex data, designing a campaign poster with a strict deadline, or managing conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders.

  • Practice Articulating Your Process: Be ready to clearly explain your design process, your software proficiency, and how you ensure quality and adherence to briefs.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: This section provides guidance on typical government application processes and interview preparation, emphasizing the importance of a portfolio that showcases relevant skills for a public sector graphic designer.

šŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in:

    • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of reports, brochures, publications, and templates.
    • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
    • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital graphics.
  • Microsoft Office Suite:

    • Microsoft Word: For incorporating designs into documents and ensuring document accessibility.
    • Microsoft PowerPoint: For creating accessible and visually engaging presentations.
    • Microsoft Outlook: For professional communication and calendar management.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a primary function, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital assets) would be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards is a plus. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant to the core graphic design function, but understanding how design assets are used within broader communication or campaign management systems might be advantageous.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: This section specifically lists the software tools mentioned in the job description and infers their typical use within a graphic design role, particularly in a corporate/government setting.

šŸ‘„ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Professionalism and Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of conduct, accuracy, and ethical practice, as is fundamental to the public sector.

  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across different branches and teams to achieve shared objectives.

  • Service Delivery: A commitment to providing high-quality design services that support the VPSC's mission and serve the public.

  • Continuous Improvement: An attitude of seeking out opportunities to enhance processes, skills, and the quality of design output.

  • Inclusivity and Accessibility: Ensuring all design work is considerate of diverse audiences and meets accessibility standards.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: The Graphic Designer will work closely with communications specialists, program managers, event coordinators, and potentially policy advisors to translate strategic goals into visual communications.

  • Feedback Exchange: An open and constructive approach to receiving and providing feedback on design work, ensuring that outputs align with stakeholder needs and VPSC objectives.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design best practices, templates, and insights with team members to foster a collaborative learning environment.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are inferred from the employer (Victorian Public Sector Commission) and the nature of public sector work, emphasizing professionalism, integrity, and service delivery.

⚔ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Managing design requests from various internal teams with potentially different priorities and visions.

  • Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Consistently meeting the rigorous brand and accessibility standards of the Victorian Government.

  • Managing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple design projects with varying deadlines and importance simultaneously.

  • Translating Complex Information: Effectively visualizing abstract concepts or technical data for a broad public audience.

  • Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with new design software features, accessibility standards, and digital communication trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Design Training: Access to courses or workshops focused on areas like advanced accessibility design, UX/UI principles, or motion graphics.

  • Public Sector Communication Best Practices: Learning about effective communication strategies within a government context.

  • Project Management Skills: Opportunities to develop skills in managing larger design projects or campaigns.

  • Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or communication leads, or to mentor junior colleagues.

  • Industry Conferences/Webinars: Participation in relevant design or public sector communication events to stay abreast of industry trends.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed around the specific context of a government graphic design role, focusing on common pain points and typical development pathways.

šŸ’” Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Design Process & Problem Solving: "Describe your process for designing a new brochure for a government program. How would you ensure it's both engaging and accessible?" (Focus on workflow, stakeholder input, accessibility checks, and final QA).

  • Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially when there are conflicting opinions from different stakeholders?" (Emphasize communication, negotiation, and finding solutions that meet objectives).

  • Brand Adherence: "How do you ensure consistency with brand guidelines while still producing creative and impactful designs?" (Discuss understanding the brand, using templates, and knowing when to push creative boundaries within limits).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Understanding the VPSC: "What do you understand about the role of the Victorian Public Sector Commission, and how can graphic design contribute to its mission?" (Demonstrate research into the VPSC's purpose, values, and strategic goals).

  • Team Collaboration: "Describe a time you successfully collaborated with non-designers to achieve a common goal. What was your approach?" (Highlight communication, empathy, and shared ownership).

  • Value Alignment: "How do your personal design values align with the public sector's emphasis on integrity, accessibility, and public service?" (Connect your approach to ethical design, inclusivity, and serving the community).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Narrative is Key: Don't just show images; tell the story behind each project. Explain the context, your role, the problem, your solution, and the impact.

  • Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your skills in creating accessible, brand-aligned materials for a public audience.

  • Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software proficiency, file formats, and any technical aspects of your design work.

  • Demonstrate Problem-Solving: For each project, articulate the challenges you overcame and how your design choices addressed them.

  • Showcase Versatility: Present a range of work that demonstrates your ability to adapt your style to different needs and formats.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to a graphic design role within the public sector, focusing on process, collaboration, brand adherence, and the VPSC's specific context. Portfolio presentation advice is designed to help candidates effectively showcase their capabilities.

šŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your current CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experience, and interest in the role through the application portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Carefully select and prepare your design portfolio, ensuring it highlights projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, adherence to brand guidelines, and creation of accessible materials relevant to a government context.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "graphic design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "accessibility," "stakeholder management," and "Victorian Government brand standards." Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with stakeholder collaboration. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and research the VPSC's mission and values.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly review the Victorian Public Sector Commission's website, recent initiatives, and any publicly available design or communication standards to understand their objectives and operational context.

āš ļø 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.

Application Requirements

The ideal candidate is a creative professional with strong visual communication skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. They must be organized, customer-focused, and capable of managing competing priorities to meet deadlines.