Graphic Designer - Campus Services - 102636 - Grade 5 - 10087

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Campus Services

Company: University of Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-09-30T23:01:00

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute compelling visual designs for online and offline collateral to enhance the University of Birmingham's Conference & Events offerings.

• Collaborate closely with the Event Management Team and Campus Services Marketing & Communications to ensure cohesive brand representation and effective campaign execution.

• Leverage expertise in UX/UI principles to optimize user journeys and improve the effectiveness of design assets across various platforms.

• Act as a technical design expert, advising on project scoping, equipment, software, and production processes to drive efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the "Campus Services" department, specifically supporting the "Conferences & Events (C&E)" team. While the primary focus is design for events, the role also has a secondary alignment with the central Marketing & Communications team, suggesting a need for broader brand understanding and potential for cross-functional project involvement. The emphasis on "revenue generating department" and "financial return" indicates that design output will be measured by its contribution to business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create visually appealing and impactful online and offline design assets, including event websites, abstract books, event guides, programmes, presentation templates, bid proposals, seating plans, posters, pull-up banners, event logos, and web/email banners.

• Produce high-quality, accurate final files for both print and digital specifications, meticulously checking proofs, and maintaining organized server archiving and filing.

• Apply User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) principles to provide insightful recommendations for enhancing user journeys across all designed materials.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure design outputs align with overarching University branding guidelines and strategic objectives.

• Provide technical expertise on all design-related aspects, including project scoping, equipment, software selection, and contributing to the review and enhancement of production and working processes.

• Liaise with external stakeholders, such as printers, to ensure smooth project execution and client satisfaction.

• Research and stay abreast of current design trends and market advancements to ensure design work remains fresh, innovative, and relevant.

• Work with internal teams to measure the effectiveness and impact of design initiatives.

• Support the broader design team within Campus Services by contributing to other asset production as business needs arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic input. The role is expected to not only produce designs but also to advise on processes and technology, indicating a need for a proactive and consultative approach. The requirement to "measure the effectiveness of design work" suggests a data-informed approach to design, which is crucial in operations-focused roles.

✅ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Educated to A Level standard or an equivalent Level 3 qualification (e.g., NVQ, National Diploma), or relevant work experience demonstrating equivalent skills and abilities.

• Minimum Grade C/4 in Mathematics and English at GCSE or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. Experience:

• Professional experience in a Design and/or Marketing role.

• Proven practical experience using industry-standard design software, including the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Aftereffects, InDesign, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Premier Pro, Acrobat).

• Experience with presentation software and Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint) for content and asset creation.

• Demonstrated understanding of print production processes and specifications. Required Skills:

• Extensive proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).

• Strong understanding of graphic design principles, typography, and digital standards.

• Solid grasp of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) principles.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, and website editing software.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder collaboration.

• Ability to manage time effectively, progress tasks concurrently, and meet deadlines.

• Proactive approach to learning new IT skills and software packages. Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of event CMS platforms, such as EventsAir.

• Experience with Premier Pro for video editing.

• Familiarity with website editing software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "evidence of skills and ability to undertake the role" through work experience suggests that candidates without formal Level 3 qualifications but with substantial relevant experience will be considered. The requirement for "website editing software" and "EventsAir" points towards a digital-first approach within event management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of high-quality graphic design projects, encompassing both print and digital media relevant to event promotion and communication.

• Include examples of event branding, promotional materials (posters, banners), digital assets (web banners, social media graphics), and potentially user interface elements for event websites or apps.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using the Adobe Creative Cloud suite through the complexity and execution of design elements.

• Highlight projects that show an understanding of brand consistency and application across different platforms.

• Provide evidence of creating final print-ready files and digital assets optimized for various channels. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design projects were managed from brief to final delivery, showcasing workflow and organization.

• Case studies illustrating how design solutions addressed specific event objectives or marketing challenges.

• Documentation of how design feedback was incorporated and refined through iterative processes.

• Evidence of understanding and applying University branding guidelines or similar corporate identity standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the nature of the role and the expectation to "advise on all areas of design, including scoping projects, equipment, software and feeding into the review and enhancement production and working processes" strongly implies that a portfolio demonstrating past work and process understanding is crucial. The mention of "measuring the effectiveness of design work" suggests that portfolio pieces should ideally include quantifiable results or insights into their impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Starting salary is typically in the range of £30,062 to £31,900 per annum, with potential progression to £35,883 per annum once in post.

Benefits:

• Generous annual leave entitlement: 40 days paid holiday per year.

• One paid day per year for volunteering activities.

• Occupational sick pay scheme.

• Comprehensive pension scheme.

• Three high-quality, subsidized day nurseries available.

• Access to the sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme for development opportunities.

• Flexible working arrangements are welcomed and discussed.

• Access to state-of-the-art campus facilities, including a sports centre, shops, eateries, art gallery, museum, and botanical gardens. Working Hours:

• Full time, typically based on 40 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements are open for discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specified for Grade 5. The benefits package is extensive, emphasizing work-life balance, professional development, and employee well-being, which are attractive to professionals in creative and operational roles. The mention of "flexible working arrangements" is a key benefit for many professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

Company Size: Large (over 5,000 professional services jobs mentioned)

Founded: The University was founded over 100 years ago, established as a leading global institution.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the busy Event Management Team within Conferences & Events (C&E).

• There is a secondary alignment with the Campus Services Marketing & Communications team, allowing for functional coordination and joint upskilling with a central design team.

• Campus Services is a large department responsible for a wide array of services, including accommodation, catering, events, security, and more. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and evidence-based support are central to Professional Services functions.

• A strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas.

• Commitment to continuous improvement in processes and services.

• A focus on enhancing the student and staff experience while driving income for the University.

Company Website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Birmingham positions itself as a global institution with a strong commitment to its community and its people. The "Birmingham Professional" programme highlights a structured approach to staff development and career progression within professional services. The culture values diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at Grade 5, indicating a mid-level professional role with specific technical expertise and some responsibility for process input and project management. It's a key contributor within the Event Management and Marketing/Communications functions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report within the Event Management Team, likely to an Event Manager or similar lead, with functional guidance and collaboration opportunities from the Marketing & Communications team.

Operations Impact: The design work directly impacts the University's ability to attract and deliver successful internal and external events, contributing to academic work, student experience, and crucial additional income for the University. Effective design is key to the commercial success of the Conferences & Events department.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to upskill through collaboration with the central design team and potentially learn about event CMS platforms. Access to the Birmingham Professional programme offers structured professional development.

• Career Progression: Potential to progress within the Conferences & Events team or broader Campus Services, or into more specialized design roles within the University. The role's exposure to both event delivery and marketing communications provides a broad foundation.

• Leadership Potential: By demonstrating technical expertise, process improvement contributions, and successful project management, there's potential to take on more complex design projects or mentor junior team members in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual reporting/alignment structure suggests that growth could involve specializing further in event design or broadening into wider marketing communications design within the university. The emphasis on professional development programs is a significant factor for career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based within the University of Birmingham campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. This is an on-site role within a large, established university setting.

Office Location(s): Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT. The campus offers excellent transport links, including bus routes and an on-site train station.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment is fostered, with opportunities to work with the Event Management Team, Marketing & Communications, and potentially other departments across Campus Services.

• Access to relevant design software and technology is implied, with the role expected to advise on equipment and software.

• The campus itself offers amenities such as a sports centre, shops, places to eat and drink, an art gallery, museum, and botanical gardens, contributing to a vibrant work environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility encouraged and discussed, allowing for a good work-life balance within the demands of event planning and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The campus environment is described as "beautiful" and well-connected, offering a pleasant and amenity-rich place to work. The emphasis on flexible working suggests a modern approach to work-life integration within a traditional institutional setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on CV and portfolio to assess required skills and experience.

• First Interview: Likely to assess technical design skills, understanding of UX/UI, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, and previous project experience. May include a discussion about design approach and problem-solving.

• Second Interview/Assessment: Potentially a practical design task or a presentation of portfolio work. This stage would likely involve meeting with the hiring manager (Ian Hughes) and potentially other team members to evaluate collaboration style, cultural fit, and ability to articulate design strategy.

• Final Stages: May involve further discussion on strategic thinking, contribution to process improvement, and alignment with University values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (event design, digital assets, print collateral, UX/UI considerations).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Highlight any challenges overcome and how you measured success or impact.

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, typography, and an understanding of UX/UI principles. Include examples of print-ready files and digital assets.

• Tailor to University: If possible, include a project that reflects an understanding of institutional branding or the higher education sector. Mention how your designs align with strategic objectives.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, articulate your design choices, and discuss your contributions to project success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Task: Be prepared for a potential design challenge that requires you to create a piece of collateral for a hypothetical event, or to critique and improve an existing design. Focus on speed, creativity, and adherence to branding.

• Process Improvement: Think about how you would advise on improving design workflows or implementing new tools within a university setting.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice explaining technical design concepts and decisions clearly to non-designers, focusing on how design supports broader organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The University's explicit warning against over-reliance on AI tools in applications is a critical point. Candidates should ensure their application and any submitted work are genuinely reflective of their own capabilities and thought processes. The "Informal enquiries" to Ian Hughes suggest an opportunity to gain further clarity on expectations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Extensive use expected, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Dreamweaver, Premier Pro, Acrobat.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly PowerPoint for presentations and other documents.

• Website Editing Software: Proficiency required for creating and updating web content.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool, the role requires "working with internal teams to measure the effectiveness of design work," implying familiarity with how design performance is tracked and reported, potentially using website analytics or event feedback tools. CRM & Automation:

• Event CMS Platforms: An understanding of platforms like EventsAir is desirable, suggesting potential integration or data exchange needs with event management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, indicating that mastery of these tools is paramount. The desirability of EventsAir suggests that familiarity with event management software can be a differentiator. The need to "measure effectiveness" implies a nascent or developing data analytics component within the design function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Working effectively with event managers, marketing teams, and external stakeholders is key.

• Efficiency: Contributing to improved production and working processes to deliver projects smoothly and on time.

• Innovation: Staying updated with design trends and applying them to create fresh, engaging materials.

• Customer Focus: Ensuring designs meet client (internal and external) expectations and support event success.

• Sustainability: Practicing resource-efficient working and supporting the University's sustainability agenda.

• Equality and Diversity: Upholding values of equality and diversity in all work and interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with event planners, marketing professionals, and potentially external vendors (printers).

• Process Improvement: Expected to contribute technical expertise to review and enhance production and working processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to upskill and learn from the central design team suggest a culture that values sharing expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The University's stated values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability are integral to the work environment and should be reflected in how candidates approach their responsibilities and interactions. The explicit mention of "equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others" underscores the importance of these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Demands with Commercial Objectives: The role must deliver aesthetically pleasing designs while also contributing to the financial return and successful delivery of events.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Stakeholders: Juggling diverse project requirements from different teams and external clients requires strong organizational and communication skills.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Design Trends and Technologies: Continuous learning is essential to maintain relevance and deliver innovative design solutions.

• Navigating University Structures: Understanding the complexities of a large, established institution and aligning designs with overarching brand and strategic objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Birmingham Professional Programme: Access to sector-leading development opportunities for all professional services staff.

• Cross-functional Learning: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with the central Marketing & Communications design team.

• Industry Trends: Proactive research and application of new design techniques, software features, and UX/UI best practices.

• Event Technology: Potential to gain exposure to event CMS platforms like EventsAir.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of balancing creative demands with commercial objectives is a common theme in operations roles that support revenue-generating departments. The University's commitment to development programs is a significant advantage for career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?" (Focus on understanding of brand governance and creative problem-solving.)

• "How would you approach designing marketing collateral for a new, high-profile university event to maximize attendance and engagement?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, audience analysis, and understanding of event marketing objectives.)

• "Imagine a project where a client's expectations were unclear. How would you clarify requirements and ensure successful delivery?" (Highlight communication, scoping, and stakeholder management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to working for the University of Birmingham, and specifically within Campus Services?" (Show research into the University's mission, values, and the department's role.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the University's sustainability or equality and diversity initiatives?" (Connect your work to broader organizational goals.)

• "Describe your experience working within a large, complex organization. How do you navigate different departments and stakeholders?" (Demonstrate adaptability and understanding of institutional dynamics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with your most relevant and impactful projects. For each, clearly state the objective, your role, the solution, and the outcome.

• Quantify Success: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, positive feedback).

• Explain Your Choices: Be ready to articulate the rationale behind your design decisions, including your use of typography, color, layout, and UX/UI considerations.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques you used, and how you ensured print/digital specifications were met.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight projects where you worked effectively with teams or clients, detailing your communication and collaboration approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The University's warning about AI tools means candidates should prepare to speak authentically about their experiences and motivations. Demonstrating a genuine understanding of the higher education sector and the University's specific context will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight specific design projects, software proficiency (especially Adobe Creative Cloud), and any experience relevant to event promotion, marketing communications, or the higher education sector. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant design projects. Ensure it showcases a range of skills (print, digital, UX/UI) and provides context for each piece. Be prepared to present and discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Prepare for AI Caution: Craft your application materials and prepare your interview responses to reflect your genuine voice and experience, avoiding generic AI-generated content.

• Research the University: Familiarize yourself with the University of Birmingham's mission, values, recent initiatives (especially in sustainability and EDI), and the Campus Services department's role.

⚠️ 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.