Graphic Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer I

Company: Texas A&M University System

Location: College Station, TX, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Education / Marketing Operations Support

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the design and layout of professional print and electronic educational publications, adhering to brand guidelines and accessibility standards.

• Manages project documentation, including revisions, approvals, and artwork, to ensure organized and traceable project lifecycles.

• Utilizes designated project management software to track and maintain project deadlines, ensuring timely delivery of design assets.

• Collaborates effectively with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and stakeholders to translate educational content into visually engaging and accessible media.

• Experiments with emerging technologies and design trends to enhance content delivery and meet internal quality standards for educational materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Graphic Designer, its context within Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the emphasis on "educational publications" and "educational media" suggests a strong connection to Marketing Operations and Content Operations. The need for accessibility (WCAG standards) and project management highlights a structured approach to content creation, typical of a well-defined operations function supporting a large educational/extension organization. This role is ideal for someone looking to build a foundation in operations-adjacent creative roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce professional, accessible print and electronic educational publications, ensuring adherence to brand identity and stylistic guidelines.

• Develop and maintain organized project documentation, including drafts, revisions, approvals, and final artwork, for efficient retrieval and auditing.

• Implement and manage project timelines using project management software, ensuring all design deliverables are met within established deadlines.

• Partner with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and other stakeholders to understand content requirements and provide creative solutions throughout the design process.

• Manage expectations and communications for multiple stakeholders across various projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment and satisfaction with design outcomes.

• Research and integrate emerging technologies and design trends to enhance the quality and accessibility of educational content.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the department's overall mission and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a structured approach to creative production within an educational context. The mention of "multiple projects simultaneously" and "project management software" points to a need for robust organizational and workflow management skills, which are core to operations. The "experiments with emerging technologies" aspect suggests a forward-thinking approach to content delivery, aligning with operational efficiency goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered. Experience:

• No prior professional experience required, making this an excellent entry-level opportunity to gain foundational skills. Required Skills:

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for clear articulation of design concepts and feedback.

• Proficiency in design principles and visual communication techniques.

• Aptitude for learning and adapting to new software and technologies. Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in a related field, such as marketing, communications, or education.

• Proven skill in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on InDesign for layout and publication design.

• Experience creating accessible publications that comply with current WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.

• Critical thinking, self-motivation, and strong self-management skills, enabling independent project completion.

• Ability to create digital assets tailored for various delivery channels and digital specifications.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.

• Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to exercise sound judgment in design decisions.

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for image editing and graphic creation.

• Familiarity with Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing (a plus).

• Knowledge of fundamental website design principles.

• Excellent time management skills to consistently meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills highlights the ideal candidate profile. While formal experience isn't mandatory, demonstrating practical application of preferred skills through a portfolio will be crucial. The emphasis on accessibility (WCAG) and digital asset creation indicates a modern approach to content operations, requiring designers to think beyond print.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency in print and digital media.

• Specific examples of publication design, including layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• Demonstrations of graphic creation and photo editing skills using Adobe Creative Suite.

• Examples of work that adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG compliance), if available, will be highly regarded.

• Any projects illustrating an understanding of branding and visual identity consistency. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a portfolio requirement, candidates are encouraged to highlight any experience or understanding of:

  • Workflow design and optimization for creative projects.

  • Utilizing project management software for task tracking and deadline adherence.

  • Collaboration processes with subject matter experts and stakeholders.

  • Quality assurance steps for design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should focus on showcasing their best work that aligns with the preferred skills, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and accessibility. For operations-minded candidates, framing past projects with an emphasis on process, efficiency, and stakeholder management will be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Proposed Minimum Salary: $2,780.17 monthly.

• Estimated Annual Salary: Approximately $33,362.04.

• This position is entry-level, and compensation will align with university pay scales for this classification. Benefits:

• Retirement Programs: Participation in state retirement plans.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and continuing education.

• Other Benefits: Access to university facilities and employee discounts. Working Hours:

• Standard Full-Time: 40 hours per week.

• Exact daily schedule to be determined with the hiring manager, with potential for some flexibility while maintaining operational coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided monthly salary is a minimum. For College Station, TX, an entry-level Graphic Designer with a Bachelor's degree typically falls within a range of $35,000 - $45,000 annually. The university's benefits package is a significant component for public sector roles. The 40-hour work week is standard, but flexibility might be offered for specific tasks or project phases, which is a common practice in creative operations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education / Agricultural Extension / Public Sector. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is part of the Texas A&M University System, dedicated to providing educational programs and information to Texans in agriculture, food, and health.

Company Size: The Texas A&M University System is a large, multi-campus public university system, employing tens of thousands of individuals across various institutions and agencies. AgriLife Extension itself is a substantial organization.

Founded: The Texas A&M University System traces its origins back to 1876. AgriLife Extension was established through federal legislation. This long history signifies stability and a strong institutional framework.

Team Structure:

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

• This team likely comprises instructional designers, content specialists, project managers, and other creative professionals who support the development and dissemination of educational materials.

• Collaboration will be frequent with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from various agricultural and life science disciplines across AgriLife. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven content development and dissemination to meet the needs of the Texas public.

• Structured approach to project management to ensure efficient production of high-quality, accessible educational resources.

• Commitment to evidence-based information and professional development.

• Focus on outreach and engagement through a variety of print and digital channels.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large university system like Texas A&M means operating within established processes and structures. The "Educational Development and Engagement" department suggests a focus on creating and refining educational content, where design plays a crucial role in effectiveness and reach. The culture likely values collaboration, expertise, and a commitment to public service.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Graphic Designer (Graphic Designer I). This role is designed for individuals starting their careers in graphic design, providing foundational experience in a professional setting. It involves executing design tasks under supervision and developing an understanding of design workflows and client/stakeholder management.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer I will report to a supervisor or manager within the Educational Development and Engagement department. This supervisor will provide guidance, assign projects, and oversee performance. Collaboration with peers and Subject Matter Experts will be a regular part of the role.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue operations or sales operations, this role contributes to the operational efficiency of content creation and dissemination. High-quality, accessible design directly impacts the effectiveness of educational outreach, which is a core mission of AgriLife Extension. Efficient design processes ensure that valuable information reaches its intended audience in a timely and impactful manner.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) and gain expertise in designing for accessibility (WCAG).

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like interactive design, web design, or publication management within the broader operations of content development.

• Leadership Potential: With experience, opportunities may arise to take on more complex projects, mentor junior designers, or even move into roles with greater project management responsibilities within the content operations team.

• Continuing Education: Access to university-provided training and potential for external workshops or conferences to stay current with design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a stepping stone. The growth path emphasizes building core design skills and understanding the operational aspects of content production. For candidates interested in operations, leveraging this role to understand the "why" behind design requests and the impact of efficient creative workflows will be key for future career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the Graphic Designer I to work from the Texas A&M University System's facilities in College Station, Texas. The environment is likely professional and academic, typical of a university setting.

Office Location(s): College Station, Texas, United States. This location offers a vibrant community with a strong connection to the university.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a dedicated desk or cubicle within the Educational Development and Engagement department, equipped with standard office furniture and IT infrastructure.

• Access to necessary design hardware (computers) and software will be provided.

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with colleagues, subject matter experts, and potentially students or researchers.

• The setting encourages a focus on detailed design work and project execution within a supportive team structure. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

• While the specific hours may be flexible within the workday, consistent availability is crucial for team collaboration and meeting project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is typical for many university positions, facilitating direct collaboration and access to resources. The College Station location offers a specific lifestyle and cost of living that candidates should consider.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess qualifications against the job requirements. A well-structured resume and a compelling portfolio are critical.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant design work. This is a key evaluation step to assess technical skills, creativity, and understanding of design principles.

• First Interview: Likely a behavioral and skills-based interview, potentially with the hiring manager and a senior team member. Expect questions about your design process, problem-solving abilities, and experience with specific software.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise may be administered to evaluate your ability to create specific assets under timed conditions or to adapt to a given brief. This could include a short layout task or image manipulation exercise.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional stakeholders or department heads to assess cultural fit and broader understanding of the role's contribution to AgriLife's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role, especially focusing on publication design, layout, and any accessible design work.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Highlight how you collaborated with others (if applicable).

• Highlight Accessibility: If you have examples of designing for accessibility (WCAG compliance), make them prominent. Explain your understanding of these standards.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Clearly indicate which software was used for each project.

• Organize Clearly: Present your portfolio in a clean, professional, and easy-to-navigate format (e.g., a PDF or a dedicated online portfolio website).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, its mission, and its target audience. This will help you tailor any design exercise.

• Review Design Principles: Refresh your knowledge of typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Practice with Software: Be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator under pressure.

• Focus on Accessibility: If a challenge involves digital output, consider accessibility best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this entry-level role. Candidates should treat the portfolio as a direct reflection of their ability to meet the job requirements. The interview process will likely be thorough, assessing both technical skills and how well a candidate can integrate into the university's operational framework.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. Proficiency in:

  • Adobe InDesign: Primary tool for publication design and layout.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and graphic creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: A plus for video editing, suggesting potential for multimedia content creation.

• Project Management Software: The department utilizes designated software for tracking projects, deadlines, and revisions. Candidates should be adaptable to learning and using specific tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics will be beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) or social media analytics could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this role, but understanding how marketing collateral is distributed through various channels might involve some awareness of marketing automation platforms or content management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, is paramount. For a candidate looking to bridge into operations, understanding how project management software is used to streamline creative workflows will be a valuable takeaway from this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service-Oriented: A strong commitment to serving the public through educational outreach and accessible information.

• Accuracy & Integrity: Upholding the credibility of the Texas A&M System by ensuring all information is accurate and well-presented.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, including SMEs, other designers, and project managers, to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Meeting project deadlines and managing workloads effectively to ensure timely delivery of critical educational materials.

• Continuous Improvement: Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt design approaches to enhance content delivery and engagement.

Collaboration Style:

• The department likely fosters a collaborative environment where ideas are shared, and feedback is constructive.

• Designers will work closely with SMEs to translate complex information into understandable visuals.

• Project management will involve clear communication and coordination to keep projects on track.

• A proactive approach to communication and problem-solving is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is rooted in public service and academic rigor. For operations professionals, understanding this value system is key to aligning design efforts with the organization's overarching mission and operational objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous design projects with competing deadlines and diverse stakeholder needs.

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively visualizing technical or scientific information from SMEs for a broad audience.

• Adhering to Standards: Ensuring all designs meet both brand guidelines and crucial accessibility (WCAG) standards.

• Adapting to Feedback: Incorporating feedback from various stakeholders while maintaining design integrity and project goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and exploring new design software or techniques.

• Accessibility Expertise: Becoming a go-to resource for accessible design practices within the department.

• Project Management Exposure: Gaining practical experience in project workflow management and coordination.

• Industry Knowledge: Learning about agricultural science, human health, and community development through interaction with SMEs.

• Networking: Building professional connections within the Texas A&M University System.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for skill development in a stable, mission-driven environment. The challenges are typical of many creative operations roles, emphasizing organization, communication, and technical execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure timely delivery?" (Focus on project management, prioritization, and time management skills).

• "How do you approach translating complex or technical information into a visually appealing and understandable format for a general audience?" (Highlight your design process, audience analysis, and simplification techniques).

• "Walk us through a project where you had to incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you manage differing opinions and reach a consensus?" (Emphasize communication, collaboration, and problem-solving).

• "What is your understanding of WCAG standards, and how have you applied them (or how would you apply them) in your design work?" (Demonstrate awareness of accessibility and your commitment to inclusive design). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specifically?" (Show you've researched their mission and understand their impact).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?" (Indicate a commitment to continuous learning).

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with team members." (Align your response with the described team culture). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

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

• Highlight Process: Be ready to discuss your design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and execution.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your past work led to measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, positive feedback), mention it.

• Be Prepared for Live Design: If a design challenge is part of the interview, think aloud as you work, explaining your decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also an understanding of operational efficiency, stakeholder management, and a commitment to the organization's mission. The ability to articulate your process and value is as important as the final design itself.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent creative position:

• Navigate to the provided Workday job posting URL and submit your application through the official system.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your proficiency in publication design, layout, Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign), and any experience with accessible design (WCAG).

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists relevant skills, software proficiency, and any educational achievements. If you have completed projects outside of formal employment, frame them to showcase relevant skills.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you manage projects and stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your understanding of accessibility standards.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's mission, programs, and target audience to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.