Graphic Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer I

Company: Texas A&M University System (Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service)

Location: College Station, TX, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Education Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the educational outreach and content dissemination efforts of Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service by creating visually compelling and accessible print and electronic publications.

• The Graphic Designer I will be instrumental in translating complex educational content into engaging visual formats, ensuring clarity and adherence to brand guidelines.

• This position requires strong collaboration with subject matter experts and stakeholders to manage project lifecycles, from initial concept to final delivery, ensuring all content meets internal quality standards and accessibility requirements.

• The role emphasizes the development of digital assets and print materials that align with emerging technologies and evolving content delivery channels, contributing to the overall effectiveness of educational programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer I," the responsibilities, particularly around publication design for an extension service, suggest a role that bridges creative design with educational content operations. The focus on accessibility (WCAG) and collaboration with subject matter experts highlights a need for operational understanding in content creation and dissemination.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design professional, engaging, and accessible print and electronic educational publications in line with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service's mission and brand standards.

• Manage and organize all project documentation, including revisions, approvals, drafts, and artwork, ensuring a clear and auditable project history.

• Uphold project deadlines by effectively utilizing designated project management software and adhering to established workflows.

• Collaborate closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to understand content requirements and translate them into effective visual communications throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage expectations and deliver high-quality work for multiple stakeholders across various projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong communication and project management capabilities.

• Experiment with and integrate emerging technologies and design trends to enhance content delivery and meet evolving internal quality standards and accessibility requirements.

• Create digital assets optimized for various delivery channels, ensuring consistency and impact across platforms.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the department's educational development and engagement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize project management and stakeholder collaboration, which are key operational aspects of content creation. The mention of "internal quality standards" and "emerging technologies" points to a need for continuous process improvement and adaptation within the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a closely related field.

• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered, demonstrating flexibility in candidate sourcing for operations roles. Experience:

• No prior professional experience is required, making this an ideal entry-level position for developing foundational skills in design operations and content production. Required Skills:

• Ability to multitask effectively and work cooperatively with a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, essential for collaborating with subject matter experts and understanding project briefs.

• Basic understanding of design principles and their application in visual communication.

• Ability to follow through on tasks and projects with a degree of autonomy in an educational or operational setting. Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign for publication layout, Photoshop for image editing, and Illustrator for vector graphics.

• Experience in creating accessible publications compliant with current WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, crucial for educational outreach.

• Experience in a related field, such as marketing, communications, or educational content development, providing a broader operational perspective.

• Ability to create digital assets to specific digital requirements for various delivery channels (e.g., web, social media, presentations).

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills to effectively manage stakeholder relationships and project demands.

• Excellent time management skills, crucial for balancing multiple projects and meeting deadlines within a structured operational environment.

• Critical thinking and self-management skills, enabling independent problem-solving and project execution.

• Premier Pro skills are a plus, indicating potential for multimedia content development within the operations.

• Knowledge of website design principles, relevant for creating digital content that integrates with online platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities" are framed broadly, aligning with entry-level expectations. The "Preferred Qualifications" and "Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities" provide a clear roadmap for candidates to showcase operations-relevant skills like Adobe Suite proficiency, accessibility knowledge, and project management capabilities, which are critical for effective educational content operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing print and digital design projects, with a strong emphasis on publication design and layout.

• Examples demonstrating the ability to create visually appealing and organized content for educational or informational purposes.

• Projects that highlight an understanding of design principles, typography, and color theory in practical applications.

• Evidence of ability to adapt design style to meet the requirements of different projects and stakeholders. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement, candidates are encouraged to present projects that illustrate their personal workflow for design projects, from initial brief to final delivery.

• The ability to articulate how they manage revisions, incorporate feedback, and ensure project completion within defined timelines will be valuable.

• For candidates with preferred qualifications, demonstrating experience with accessibility standards (WCAG) in their process documentation would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio is expected to showcase foundational design skills. The emphasis on "publication design" and "educational media" implies that applicants should curate examples that align with the operational needs of an extension service. Highlighting any experience with project management tools or workflows within their portfolio will be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Proposed Minimum Salary: $2,780.17 monthly.

• Estimated Annual Salary: Approximately $33,362.04 (based on 12 months).

• Estimated Market Range for Entry-Level Graphic Designer in College Station, TX: $35,000 - $45,000 annually. This range accounts for the specific location's cost of living and the general market for entry-level creative roles, while acknowledging the university system's pay structure.

Benefits:

• As part of the Texas A&M University System, this position likely includes a comprehensive benefits package. Typical benefits for state employees in Texas include:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

  • Retirement plan options through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).

  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

  • Potential for professional development opportunities and tuition assistance.

  • Life insurance and disability coverage. Working Hours:

• Standard Work Week: 40 hours per week.

• Work Schedule: Likely Monday through Friday, with potential for some flexibility depending on project demands and departmental needs. The role's on-site nature suggests adherence to standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated minimum salary is $2,780.17 monthly. Based on industry benchmarks for entry-level graphic designers in a location like College Station, TX, the annual salary range can be estimated. The benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for employees of the Texas A&M University System.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Agricultural Extension & Research. The Texas A&M University System is a vast network of institutions dedicated to education, research, and public service, with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service focusing specifically on extending research-based knowledge to the citizens of Texas. This context implies a culture that values service, education, and practical application of knowledge.

Company Size: The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest university systems in the United States, employing tens of thousands of individuals across its various agencies and campuses. This large scale suggests robust administrative structures and established operational processes.

Founded: The Texas A&M University System traces its roots back to 1876. Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service was established in 1915. This long history indicates a stable organization with deeply ingrained institutional knowledge and established operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer I will be part of the Educational Development and Engagement department within Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service.

• This department likely comprises professionals focused on curriculum development, instructional design, content creation, and outreach strategies.

• The Graphic Designer I will report to a supervisor or manager overseeing design and publishing services, working within a team that supports various extension programs and initiatives.

• Collaboration is expected with subject matter experts across different agricultural and community development fields. Methodology:

• The department's methodology will likely involve a structured approach to developing and disseminating educational content, emphasizing research-based information and practical application.

• Design processes will need to be efficient, scalable, and compliant with institutional standards and accessibility requirements.

• Data analysis may be used to understand audience engagement with publications, informing future design strategies.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial for managing a high volume of diverse projects.

Company Website: https://tamus.edu/ and https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large, established university system and a specialized extension service implies a structured, mission-driven environment. Operations professionals in this setting often deal with established processes, a focus on public service, and adherence to institutional guidelines.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (I) position, designed for individuals with foundational graphic design skills and a Bachelor's degree, requiring no prior professional experience. It's a stepping stone into the broader field of educational content operations and creative services within a large institution.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer I will likely report to a Graphic Design Coordinator, Manager, or Director within the Educational Development and Engagement department. This supervisor will provide guidance on projects, workflow, and professional development.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant in enabling the effective communication of vital research-based information from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service to the public. High-quality, accessible publications are fundamental to the organization's mission of educating Texans and improving their lives. The designer's work directly influences how information is received and understood by diverse audiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to develop expertise in specialized areas of design, such as accessibility standards (WCAG), digital asset management, and advanced publication layout techniques.

• Learning & Development: Access to professional development resources offered by the Texas A&M University System, including workshops, training sessions on new software, and potentially conferences related to design, education, or outreach.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to take on more complex projects, manage smaller initiatives, or mentor newer team members, paving a path towards senior design or operations roles.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to collaborate with other departments within Agrilife Extension and across the Texas A&M System, broadening understanding of different operational functions and their interconnectedness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is tied to developing specialized operational skills within the creative services domain. Progression likely involves mastering institutional processes, gaining expertise in specific design disciplines crucial for educational outreach, and demonstrating leadership potential in managing projects and workflows.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position within the Texas A&M University System, likely located in College Station, TX, at a facility associated with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service.

Office Location(s): College Station, Texas. This location provides access to a university town environment with amenities and a strong academic community.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a professional office environment designed for creative work, likely equipped with standard office furniture and technology.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware will be provided.

• The environment is likely collaborative, with opportunities to interact with other designers, content specialists, and subject matter experts.

• Adherence to university system policies regarding workplace conduct, safety, and IT security is expected. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

• While the role is on-site, the nature of design work may sometimes require flexibility to meet project deadlines, though significant overtime is not typically expected for an entry-level position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a traditional office setting where collaboration and direct supervision are part of the operational workflow. Access to institutional resources and a structured work environment are key aspects of this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed based on qualifications, with a focus on education and any listed design experience.

• Portfolio Submission & Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their graphic design work.

This is a critical step for assessing practical skills, design aesthetic, and relevance to the role's responsibilities, particularly publication design and accessibility.

• Interview(s): One or more interviews will be conducted, potentially including:

  • A discussion with the hiring manager and/or team members to assess fit with the department's culture and operational style.
  • Technical questions about design software, principles, and problem-solving approaches.
  • Behavioral questions to gauge collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to manage multiple projects.
  • A review of portfolio pieces to discuss design choices, process, and outcomes.

• Skills Assessment/Exercise (Optional): Some roles may include a practical design exercise or case study to evaluate on-the-spot design thinking and execution abilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in publication design, layout, and visual communication.

• Showcase Process: Include brief descriptions for each project detailing the objective, your role, the tools used, and the outcome. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

• Emphasize Accessibility: If you have projects that demonstrate adherence to WCAG standards or other accessibility guidelines, make them prominent. This is a preferred qualification.

• Tailor to Education: If possible, include projects that have an educational or informational focus, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., a personal website, Behance, or a well-organized PDF).

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design exercise is given, focus on understanding the prompt thoroughly.

• Prioritize clear communication and a logical design process.

• For a role at Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, consider how your design choices would serve an educational mission and ensure broad accessibility.

• Be prepared to articulate your design decisions and how they align with project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential skills assessments highlights the practical nature of this design role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also an understanding of process, communication, and the specific needs of an educational institution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency is expected, with a strong focus on:

  • Adobe InDesign: For professional layout and publication design, including text flow, typography, and multi-page document creation.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

• Project Management Software: Experience with or ability to quickly learn designated project management tools used by the department for tracking tasks, deadlines, and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics for digital content would be beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics concepts could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how final design assets integrate into broader communication or learning management systems might be relevant. Other Potential Tools (Preferred):

• Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing, if the role expands into multimedia content creation.

• Website Design Principles: Familiarity with how designs translate to web platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable for success in this role, as they are the backbone of professional publication and digital asset creation within an operational context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service-Oriented: A strong commitment to serving the needs of internal stakeholders (Subject Matter Experts) and external audiences (the public) through effective communication and educational materials.

• Accuracy & Integrity: Upholding the accuracy and integrity of information presented in publications, reflecting the research-based foundation of the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working cooperatively with colleagues, subject matter experts, and supervisors to achieve shared goals and deliver high-quality outcomes.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Demonstrating an ability to manage workload effectively, meet deadlines, and contribute to the efficient operation of the department's publishing processes.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing opportunities to learn new technologies, refine design skills, and improve workflows to enhance content delivery and accessibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively collaborating with subject matter experts from diverse disciplines to ensure accurate and effective representation of technical content.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders throughout the design process to refine projects and ensure alignment with objectives.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, potential challenges, and design rationale.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where design best practices, technical tips, and workflow improvements are shared among colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a university extension service typically values public service, accuracy, and collaborative problem-solving. For a design role, this translates to a focus on clear communication of information and a team environment that supports educational outreach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing and prioritizing tasks for various projects simultaneously, each with its own set of stakeholders and deadlines.

• Translating Technical Content: Accurately and engagingly representing complex, research-based information from subject matter experts into accessible visual formats.

• Adhering to Standards: Consistently applying institutional branding guidelines and accessibility standards (WCAG) across all design outputs.

• Adapting to Emerging Technologies: Staying current with new design tools, software updates, and evolving digital content delivery methods to ensure publications remain relevant and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced InDesign techniques, digital accessibility compliance, and potentially multimedia design.

• Industry Workshops & Webinars: Access to professional development resources to learn about the latest trends in graphic design, educational technology, and content strategy.

• Mentorship within the System: Learning from experienced designers and operations professionals within the Texas A&M University System, gaining insights into institutional processes and best practices.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of publications and media for different agricultural and community programs, broadening design experience and understanding of various operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges for this role are typical of an operations-focused creative position: managing workload, translating complex information, and adhering to standards. Growth opportunities are framed around skill development and exposure within the institutional framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex piece of information and translating it into a visual design. How do you ensure accuracy and clarity?" (Focus on your workflow, stakeholder collaboration, and understanding of educational content.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Highlight your organizational skills, use of project management tools, and communication strategies.)

• "Can you walk me through a publication design project in your portfolio? What were the goals, your process, and the outcome?" (Be prepared to discuss your design choices, technical execution, and any challenges overcome.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service specifically, and what do you know about our mission?" (Research the organization's mission and values; connect your skills to supporting educational outreach.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with subject matter experts who may not have a design background?" (Emphasize your communication skills, patience, and ability to translate technical needs into design solutions.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible to a wide range of audiences?" (Discuss your understanding of WCAG standards and any experience you have with accessibility in design.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a concise story that highlights the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Process: Explain your thought process, the tools you used, and any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate publication design, layout skills, and an understanding of educational content. If you have accessibility-focused projects, showcase them prominently.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also an understanding of operational processes, collaboration, and the specific mission of an educational extension service. Highlighting any experience or knowledge of accessibility standards will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday portal link: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/System-wide_External/job/College-Station-TX/Graphic-Designer-I_R-094295

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant design coursework, projects, or skills mentioned in the job description, especially Adobe Creative Suite proficiency and any experience with publication design or accessibility.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your best work, focusing on publication design, layout, and visual communication. Ensure it is easily accessible online and highlights your ability to translate information into engaging visuals.

• Research Texas A&M Agrilife Extension: Understand the organization's mission, its role in Texas, and the types of educational content it produces. This will help you articulate your interest and how your design skills can contribute.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on your design process, collaboration skills, and ability to manage projects, as well as your enthusiasm for educational outreach.

⚠️ 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.