Graphic Designer - Fixed term

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Fixed Term

Company: Rangi Ruru Girls' School

Location: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Job Type: Fixed term - Full Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-09-18

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce high-quality marketing, promotional, and communication materials across print and digital platforms, ensuring brand consistency.

• Capture and edit compelling photography that effectively showcases school life, events, and achievements, aligning with Rangi Ruru's unique character.

• Create engaging content for social media and digital communication channels, contributing to the school's online presence and narrative.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and ensuring timely delivery of work to a high standard.

• Collaborate effectively with staff across the school to ensure all communications align with the Rangi Ruru brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a fixed-term position covering parental leave, specifically from November 16, 2026, to June 2, 2027. The focus is on creating visual assets that communicate the school's brand and achievements, bridging marketing and operations by supporting communication strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visually appealing and impactful marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers, advertisements, and digital assets.

• Execute photography assignments for school events, student activities, and facilities, ensuring high-quality images that tell a compelling story.

• Edit and retouch photographs to meet brand standards and optimize them for various media, including print and web.

• Develop creative concepts and designs for social media posts, website banners, email newsletters, and other digital communication channels.

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Rangi Ruru brand guidelines and ensure all created materials adhere to them.

• Manage project timelines, from initial brief to final delivery, coordinating with stakeholders to gather feedback and approvals.

• Contribute to content ideation and creation for marketing campaigns and communication initiatives.

• Organize and maintain a digital asset library of photos, designs, and templates for easy access and future use.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative execution (design, photography) and strategic communication support, which is common in marketing operations roles within educational institutions. The emphasis on brand alignment and collaboration with internal stakeholders is key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field. Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in graphic design, with a portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects.

• Proven experience in a marketing or communications environment, ideally within the education sector. Required Skills:

• Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, with advanced skills in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Strong expertise in photography, including capturing high-quality images in various settings and professional photo editing.

• Excellent visual design skills with a keen eye for detail, layout, typography, and color theory.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Experience in creating digital assets for web, social media, and email marketing.

• Familiarity with print production processes and specifications. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro).

• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) for website updates.

• Knowledge of email marketing platforms and best practices.

• Understanding of web analytics tools like Google Analytics to inform design decisions.

• Experience with social media management tools and content scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency is standard for graphic design roles. The inclusion of photography and photo editing as core skills, alongside digital and print design, indicates a comprehensive visual communication role. Preferred skills in video editing, CMS, and analytics suggest opportunities for the candidate to expand their expertise and contribute more broadly to digital marketing operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of three years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on marketing and communication materials.

• Specific examples of print collateral (e.g., brochures, flyers, posters) and digital assets (e.g., social media graphics, website banners, email templates).

• Demonstrations of photography skills, including staged shoots and event coverage, with before-and-after editing examples where applicable.

• Case studies or project descriptions that highlight your role in the design process, from concept development to final execution.

• Evidence of ability to manage multiple projects, showcasing how you organized and prioritized tasks to meet deadlines. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, including workflow for brief intake, concept development, revisions, and final file preparation.

• Examples of how you have applied brand guidelines consistently across different projects and media.

• Demonstration of collaboration processes, illustrating how you worked with internal clients or teams to achieve project goals.

• Understanding of file management best practices for design assets, ensuring organized storage and retrieval.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role like this, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on showcasing a breadth of work that aligns with the responsibilities, particularly in print, digital, and photography. Demonstrating project management and collaborative processes through portfolio examples is crucial for evaluating the candidate's operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a fixed-term position for parental leave cover, specific salary details are typically negotiated based on experience and qualifications. However, for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, a competitive annual salary range would likely fall between NZD $60,000 - $80,000. This range is based on general market data for similar roles in the region, considering the cost of living and typical remuneration for creative professionals in educational institutions. Benefits:

• Access to school facilities and resources.

• Opportunity to work in a supportive and innovative educational environment.

• Professional development opportunities related to design and communications.

• Contribution to a vibrant school community and its mission.

• Fixed-term contract with a defined end date, offering clear project scope. Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, with flexibility required to cover school events or project deadlines as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for Christchurch, New Zealand. Specific benefits are often less extensive for fixed-term roles compared to permanent positions, but the opportunity to gain experience in a reputable school environment is a significant draw.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education (Secondary School for Girls)

Company Size: Rangi Ruru Girls' School is a well-established independent school, likely employing a significant number of staff across teaching, administration, and support functions. This suggests a structured yet dynamic organizational environment.

Founded: The school has a long history, founded in 1889, indicating a stable and reputable institution with a strong tradition and established culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Community Relations Team, reporting to the Communications Manager.

• This team likely includes specialists in communications, marketing, and potentially digital media, working collaboratively to promote the school.

• The role will involve significant interaction with various departments, including academic staff, admissions, and administration, to gather project requirements and ensure alignment. Methodology:

• The Community Relations Team likely employs a strategic approach to communications, focusing on brand storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and impact measurement.

• Design and content creation processes are expected to be collaborative, data-informed (where applicable, e.g., digital engagement metrics), and aligned with the school's strategic goals.

• Emphasis will be placed on maintaining brand integrity and producing high-quality outputs that reflect the school's reputation.

Company Website: https://www.rangiruru.school.nz/

📝 Enhancement Note: Rangi Ruru Girls' School operates within the education sector, which often has a strong emphasis on community, tradition, and student well-being. The Community Relations Team plays a vital role in external communications and brand perception. Understanding the school's mission and values will be crucial for aligning design work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer, requiring established technical skills and at least three years of professional experience. It offers the opportunity to apply and refine existing skills in a specific organizational context.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Communications Manager within the Community Relations Team. This provides a clear reporting line and opportunities for mentorship and guidance within the communications function.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences the school's external perception, brand image, and ability to attract students and engage with the parent community. High-quality visual communications are essential for showcasing the school's achievements, values, and unique offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in educational marketing, school branding, and digital content creation.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop a robust portfolio with diverse projects for a reputable institution, valuable for future career opportunities.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience collaborating with various departments within a school setting, understanding different operational needs.

• Potential for Extension: While a fixed-term role, exceptional performance could potentially lead to future opportunities or extensions, depending on school needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a fixed-term role, the primary growth is in experience and portfolio building. The role offers a chance to specialize within the education sector's marketing and communications landscape, which can be a niche but rewarding career path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at Rangi Ruru Girls' School, implying a professional office environment within the school's campus.

Office Location(s): Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. The school is located in a specific area of Christchurch, and candidates should consider commute times.

Workspace Context:

• The Graphic Designer will likely have access to a dedicated workspace within the Community Relations Team's area, equipped with necessary design software and hardware.

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with colleagues in the Community Relations Team and other school staff.

• The campus setting may offer a unique and inspiring work atmosphere, typical of established educational institutions. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.

• While core hours will likely be standard business times, occasional flexibility may be required to cover school events, photo shoots, or urgent design requests, especially leading up to key school periods or deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in an educational institution means being part of a community with distinct rhythms and events. The environment is likely professional and structured, with opportunities for interaction with students, staff, and parents.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Presentation: Shortlisted candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and rationale. Be prepared to articulate your role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Technical Assessment: A practical design test or a detailed discussion about Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, photography techniques, and project management approaches may be included.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will assess your ability to collaborate, manage deadlines, handle feedback, and align with the school's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the Communications Manager and other senior stakeholders to discuss fit and expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates print, digital, and photography skills, ideally with a marketing or communication focus.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved (if measurable).

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Showcase examples where you successfully applied brand guidelines or developed visual identities.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your software skills and techniques used in Adobe Creative Cloud and photo editing.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include projects where you worked closely with clients or teams, explaining how you managed feedback and approvals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a social media graphic, a small print ad, or editing a provided photograph based on a brief.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to quickly understand requirements, apply brand elements, and deliver a polished output within a set timeframe.

• Practice articulating your design choices and process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also to discuss the strategic thinking and operational processes behind it. A practical test is common for design roles to assess real-time skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop are essential. Proficiency in these is non-negotiable.

• Photography Equipment: Access to a professional camera, lenses, and lighting equipment (or ability to effectively use provided school equipment).

• Photo Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom, or similar, for efficient photo management and editing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics: Familiarity with understanding website traffic and user behavior can inform digital design choices.

• Social Media Analytics: Understanding metrics for engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.

CRM & Automation:

• CMS (Content Management System): Experience with platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or similar for website content updates would be advantageous.

• Email Marketing Platforms: Familiarity with tools such as Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor, or similar for designing and distributing newsletters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around the Adobe Creative Suite. The preferred skills indicate a growing need for designers to understand digital marketing metrics and content management systems, bridging the gap between creative execution and performance analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to producing high-quality work that reflects the school's standards and reputation.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues across different departments to achieve shared communication goals.

• Creativity: Bringing fresh ideas and innovative design solutions to showcase the school's offerings.

• Integrity: Upholding the school's brand values and ensuring all communications are accurate and appropriate.

• Efficiency: Managing projects effectively to meet deadlines and deliver results in a timely manner.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a proactive and collaborative approach, working closely with the Communications Manager and other school staff.

• Open communication and a willingness to receive and incorporate feedback are essential for successful project outcomes.

• The team likely fosters a supportive environment where ideas are shared, and collective efforts contribute to the school's overall success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Educational institutions often value a strong sense of community and shared purpose. The culture is likely to be professional, respectful, and focused on contributing to the development and well-being of students.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fixed-Term Nature: Adapting quickly to a new environment and team for a defined period.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs adhere strictly to established Rangi Ruru brand guidelines across diverse outputs.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing competing priorities and deadlines for various stakeholders.

• Capturing "The Rangi Ruru Spirit": Translating the unique essence and values of the school into compelling visual stories.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Educational Marketing: Gaining specialized knowledge in marketing and communications within the independent school sector.

• Portfolio Expansion: Adding high-impact projects for a renowned institution to your professional portfolio.

• Networking: Building professional relationships within the education sector and marketing communications field.

• Skill Refinement: Enhancing skills in specific areas like photography for educational settings or digital content strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a fixed-term role, emphasizing the need for rapid integration and high performance. The growth opportunities are significant in terms of industry-specific experience and portfolio development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance multiple design requests with tight deadlines. How did you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Assesses project management skills)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design outputs and platforms?" (Evaluates understanding of brand management)

• "Tell me about a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Tests communication and adaptability)

• "How would you approach capturing compelling photography of a school event to showcase student engagement and achievement?" (Assesses creative approach and technical execution) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Rangi Ruru Girls' School specifically?" (Gauges research and genuine interest)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the school's mission and values?" (Connects personal skills to organizational purpose)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative working relationship with internal stakeholders and a Communications Manager." (Assesses teamwork and communication style) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Group projects by type (print, digital, photography) or by campaign for a cohesive narrative.

• Storytelling: For each key project, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain your involvement and impact.

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing and reflects your design aesthetic. Use high-resolution images.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe (e.g., 15-20 minutes), leaving ample time for questions.

• Technical Discussion: Be ready to discuss the specific software and techniques you used for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also operational efficiency, strong communication, and an understanding of the educational context. The portfolio presentation is the critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application, including a resume and a link to your online portfolio, through the provided Rangi Ruru Girls' School careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of print design, digital graphics, and photography relevant to marketing and communications. Tailor your selection to showcase work that aligns with the school environment and brand.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, photography, project management, and any experience in the education or non-profit sectors. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project management approach, and how you collaborate with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Rangi Ruru Girls' School's mission, values, and recent communications. Understand their brand identity and target audience to demonstrate your fit.

⚠️ 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.