Graphic Designer I - Sr AS7896

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer I - Sr AS7896

Company: Oklahoma State University

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Communications

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as a key creative contributor within the Division of Student Affairs, developing visually compelling assets for a diverse audience.

• Drive the conceptualization and execution of design projects, ensuring alignment with Oklahoma State University's brand identity and accessibility standards.

• Provide specialized design support for Wellness programs, including Competitive Sports, Fitness, Employee Wellness, Outdoor Adventure, and Student Wellness.

• Collaborate effectively with a team of communicators, program leaders, and other creative professionals to deliver audience-focused visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a university's Division of Student Affairs, indicating a focus on internal communications, student engagement, and potentially donor relations. The "Sr AS7896" designation might imply a specific internal classification or project code, but the core function is graphic design. The experience level suggests a mid-level designer capable of independent work and contributing to strategic creative initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a wide range of print and digital design materials, including campaigns, posters, flyers, brochures, reports, presentations, environmental graphics, digital signage, social media assets, web graphics, and email graphics.

• Translate communication objectives and audience needs into effective and innovative visual concepts.

• Ensure all design outputs are visually compelling, accessible, accurate, and consistent with Oklahoma State University brand standards.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from concept through completion, adhering to deadlines and project priorities.

• Collaborate closely with Student Affairs communicators, program leaders, and other stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure design solutions meet strategic goals.

• Contribute to the overall creative strategy and process improvement within the Student Affairs communications team.

• Maintain a strong understanding of current design trends, software capabilities, and best practices in both print and digital media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and strategic thinking. The need to manage multiple projects and collaborate across departments is critical for success in this role, typical of a shared-services or internal agency model within a large organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is preferred. If an Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree is held, it may substitute for some years of required experience.

Experience:

• Graphic Designer I: Two years of relevant professional experience.

• Senior Graphic Designer: Bachelor's degree and four years of relevant professional experience.

• The role appears to bridge the "I" and "Senior" levels, with the hiring range suggesting a candidate with 2-5 years of experience. Required Skills:

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat.

• Strong working knowledge of graphic design principles, typography, layout, and production for both print and digital channels.

• Ability to translate communication objectives and audience needs into compelling visual concepts.

• Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with communicators, program leaders, clients, and creative colleagues in a shared-services environment.

• Commitment to maintaining brand consistency, ensuring accessibility, accuracy, and meticulous attention to detail. Preferred Skills:

• Strong conceptual and visual storytelling abilities.

• Demonstrated experience developing integrated creative campaigns across print and digital channels.

• Experience designing for multiple clients, departments, or programs within a shared-services or agency-style setting.

• Knowledge of digital design best practices, social media content creation, and accessible design principles.

• Proficiency in photography, photo editing, or motion graphics.

• Experience mentoring or supervising student designers.

• Ability to interpret diverse creative needs and develop strategic, responsive, and audience-focused design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly delineate required versus preferred skills, with a strong emphasis on technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and fundamental design principles. The preference for experience in a multi-client environment and integrated campaign development suggests the university operates with a centralized creative services model.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency in layout, typography, and visual communication across print and digital media.

• Specific examples of projects executed using Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

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

• Demonstrations of how design solutions addressed specific communication objectives and audience needs.

• Examples of work that adheres to brand guidelines and accessibility standards. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, including how they approach project briefs, concept development, client feedback integration, and final file preparation.

• The ability to explain the rationale behind design choices and how they contribute to the overall communication strategy will be crucial.

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, the interview process will likely involve discussion of how candidates manage their workflow and ensure project efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, particularly in a university setting, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of skills and experience. The emphasis on process implies a need for designers who are not just executers but also strategic thinkers who can explain their creative decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $43,000 - $68,000 per year.

Benefits:

• As an employee of Oklahoma State University, candidates can expect a comprehensive benefits package. While specific details are not provided in the raw listing, typical university benefits often include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.

  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., ORP or 403b).

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

  • Tuition assistance or waivers for employees and potentially dependents.

  • Professional development opportunities and training programs.

  • Access to university facilities and resources. Working Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, totaling 40 hours per week. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet project deadlines or support university events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hiring range is competitive for a Graphic Designer role in Stillwater, Oklahoma, considering the experience level. The "Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice" appointment length suggests a stable, permanent position within the university system, which typically comes with robust benefits. The mention of potential evening and weekend work is standard for creative roles with event-driven or campaign-based deliverables.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University System). Oklahoma State University is a public land-grant research university with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, research, and community engagement.

Company Size: Large. As a major public university, OSU employs thousands of faculty and staff across its campuses. This size implies a complex organizational structure with numerous departments and divisions, each with its own communication needs.

Founded: 1890. Oklahoma State University has a long-standing history, fostering a culture that balances tradition with innovation. For operations professionals, this means established processes and brand guidelines, but also opportunities to introduce modern design thinking.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Division of Student Affairs. This division likely houses various departments focused on student life, well-being, and support services.

• The designer will work within a team of "Student Affairs communicators, program leaders and other creative professionals," suggesting a collaborative environment with shared responsibilities for the division's communication efforts.

• There may be a reporting structure to a Communications Director or a similar leadership role within Student Affairs. Methodology:

• The role emphasizes a collaborative, audience-focused approach to design.

• Projects will likely be managed through a structured workflow, involving client intake, concept development, revisions, and final delivery.

• A strong emphasis is placed on adherence to university brand standards, accessibility, and data-driven insights into audience needs.

Company Website: https://okstate.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a university's Division of Student Affairs means the design work directly impacts student experience, recruitment, retention, and overall campus life. The culture is likely one of service, collaboration, and a commitment to the university's mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is for a Graphic Designer who has moved beyond entry-level tasks and can independently manage projects, contribute creatively, and work collaboratively within a team. The "Senior" designation in the title suggests potential for growth into more senior creative leadership roles within the university or beyond.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a role within the Division of Student Affairs, likely a Communications Manager or Director, and will work closely with program leaders and other communicators. This structure allows for direct impact on student-facing initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences how the Division of Student Affairs communicates its services, programs, and initiatives. Effective visual communication is critical for student engagement, program participation, donor cultivation, and maintaining a strong university brand presence. This role impacts the perception and effectiveness of student support services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to refine skills in specialized design areas (e.g., motion graphics, digital campaigns) and potentially learn new software or design techniques through university-provided training or external professional development.

• Project Scope: Potential to take on larger, more complex projects or lead design efforts for key university initiatives.

• Leadership: With proven success and experience, there's a path to become a Senior Graphic Designer, potentially mentoring junior designers or student interns, and taking on more strategic creative direction.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: The role involves collaboration across various Student Affairs departments, offering exposure to different communication needs and strategic objectives within the university.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a designer in a university setting, growth often involves deepening expertise in specific design disciplines, taking on more strategic creative leadership, and potentially moving into roles managing creative teams or departments. The "I - Sr" designation is a bit unusual but points to a role with room for growth or a broad experience band.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The position is based at the OSU-Stillwater campus. This implies a traditional office environment within a university setting.

Office Location(s): Stillwater, Oklahoma. The role is located at the main Oklahoma State University campus, offering access to university resources and a vibrant campus community.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will likely work within a dedicated office space, possibly shared with other members of the Student Affairs communications team or creative professionals.

• Access to standard office equipment, computers, and potentially a dedicated design studio or shared creative resources.

• Opportunities for collaboration will be facilitated through in-person meetings, team sessions, and informal interactions within the campus environment.

• The environment will be professional, focused on academic and student support services, and likely uphold university policies and values.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) is expected, with the flexibility to accommodate occasional evening and weekend work for specific events or campaign launches. This schedule allows for consistent engagement with university operations and student activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is typical for design positions requiring close collaboration and access to university resources. The campus environment offers unique opportunities for creative inspiration and engagement with the university community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes, cover letters, and portfolios will be screened for qualifications and creative quality.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design rationale, and problem-solving approaches. This is a critical step to assess conceptual thinking and communication skills.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical design exercise or a case study might be given to evaluate technical skills, creative problem-solving under pressure, and ability to meet specific objectives and brand guidelines.

• Behavioral and Situational Interviews: Questions will focus on collaboration, project management, handling feedback, and working within a university/student affairs context.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with key stakeholders or leadership within the Division of Student Affairs to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to the job description—print, digital, campaign work, and examples demonstrating brand adherence and accessibility.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, and the impact or outcome of your design.

• Highlight Process: Explain your thought process, not just the final product. Show sketches, mock-ups, or discussions about how you arrived at the solution.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design led to increased engagement, participation, or donations, mention it.

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples that show you can work within established brand guidelines, such as OSU's.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly reflects your mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design challenge prompt. Ask clarifying questions if permitted.

• Prioritize Objectives: Identify the core communication goals and target audience.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across concept development, execution, and refinement.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure your solution aligns with university branding, even if it's a hypothetical scenario.

• Presentation Clarity: Be prepared to clearly articulate your design choices and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a university design role will heavily rely on portfolio review and a practical design assessment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their creative process and demonstrate how their work aligns with the university's mission and brand.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat. Proficiency in these is a non-negotiable requirement.

• Graphic Design Software: General proficiency expected in industry-standard design tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding how designs perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement metrics, website click-through rates) would be beneficial.

• Familiarity with tools for tracking digital asset performance may be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or email marketing systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on creative software. Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud is the primary technical requirement. Any additional experience with digital asset management or performance tracking tools would be a bonus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and working effectively with communicators, program leaders, and other creative professionals within Student Affairs.

• Service-Oriented: Commitment to supporting the mission of Student Affairs and enhancing the student experience through effective visual communication.

• Brand Consistency & Accuracy: Dedication to upholding Oklahoma State University's brand standards and ensuring the accuracy of all communications.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging the development of audience-focused visual solutions and contributing to the creative process.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: A commitment to designing materials that are accessible to all audiences.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a highly collaborative style, working closely with internal clients and team members to translate needs into visual solutions.

• Open communication, receptiveness to feedback, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key.

• The environment likely encourages shared learning and constructive critique among creative professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a university's Student Affairs division typically prioritizes student success, community building, and collaborative problem-solving. Design professionals are expected to be team players who can balance creative vision with institutional needs and values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Client Needs: Juggling diverse creative requests from various departments within Student Affairs, each with unique objectives and priorities.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying university brand standards while still producing innovative and engaging designs.

• Managing Project Scope and Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing tasks and managing time to deliver high-quality work under pressure.

• Translating Complex Information Visually: Simplifying intricate program details or institutional messages into clear, compelling visual narratives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of graphic design, such as motion graphics, UX/UI design for web assets, or advanced print production techniques.

• Professional Development: Access to university-sponsored training, workshops, and potentially conferences related to design, marketing, and higher education communications.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced communicators and designers within the division, and to mentor student designers.

• Exposure to Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in high-profile university campaigns and initiatives, providing valuable experience and portfolio pieces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an in-house designer in a large organization. Growth will come from mastering these challenges, expanding skill sets, and taking on more strategic or leadership responsibilities within the creative function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from initial concept to final delivery." (Prepare to walk through a case study.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are both visually compelling and accessible to a diverse audience?" (Discuss specific techniques and considerations.)

• "How do you balance adhering to established brand guidelines with bringing your own creative vision to a project?" (Provide examples of creative problem-solving within constraints.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting feedback or priorities from different stakeholders. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on collaboration and communication strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Oklahoma State University and specifically within the Division of Student Affairs?" (Research OSU's mission, values, and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the overall goals of student engagement and support?" (Connect your abilities to the university's objectives.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you work with non-designers?" (Emphasize teamwork and clear communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the impact you made.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly state your contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Explain the "Why": For each piece, articulate the problem you were solving, your strategic approach, and why you made specific design choices.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of both print and digital work, demonstrating your breadth of skills.

• Be Prepared for a Design Challenge: Practice creating quick mock-ups or concepts based on a hypothetical brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical skill but also strategic thinking, collaborative ability, and a genuine understanding of the university's mission and the role of design within it.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application through the provided link, ensuring all required fields are filled accurately.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to highlight your relevant experience, express your enthusiasm for Oklahoma State University and the Division of Student Affairs, and briefly touch upon your key design strengths.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work relevant to the job description (print, digital, campaigns), and clearly demonstrates your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud. Include project descriptions that explain your process and impact.

• Prepare Your Resume: Optimize your resume to clearly list your years of experience, technical skills (especially Adobe Creative Cloud), and key responsibilities from previous roles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Gather Professional References: Have the contact information for three professional references ready, as requested in the special instructions. Ensure these individuals can speak to your design skills, work ethic, and collaborative abilities.

⚠️ 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.