Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: University of Florida

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and implements compelling graphic and web design solutions to support the instructional and outreach initiatives of the College of Education's e-Learning, Technology and Communications department.

• Manages the visual direction and branding for key college assets, including those for Advancement, Student Services, and the Dean’s Office, ensuring a cohesive and professional image.

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams including instructional designers, videographers, and communications staff to produce high-quality digital and print materials.

• Researches and integrates emerging design technologies, trends, and best practices to enhance project marketing and program delivery within the college.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Graphic Designer, the emphasis on "e-Learning, Technology and Communications," "instructional and outreach efforts," and collaboration with "instructional design staff" suggests a strong connection to educational technology and digital learning environments. The "Assistant Director of Operations" and "Senior Director of Operations" involvement indicates a need for process-oriented thinking and an understanding of operational efficiency within a large academic institution. This role would benefit from candidates who can translate complex educational concepts into visually accessible and engaging designs, demonstrating an understanding of user experience (UX) principles for learning platforms.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Dynamic Design Development: Creates engaging graphic materials for digital and print marketing, including templates, logos, social media graphics, presentations, and publications, adhering to college branding guidelines.

• Print Design Expertise: Develops print materials for marketing and promotional events, utilizing extensive experience with layout applications like Adobe InDesign, CMYK color models, and print production techniques.

• Digital Asset Creation: Designs and maintains visual assets for online courses, professional development modules, and other digital materials, ensuring ADA compliance and optimal user experience.

• Visual Direction & Branding: Assists in defining the visual direction for web design, branding, and print media for various college projects, programs, and auxiliary clients.

• Client Communication: Effectively communicates with internal and external clients to understand project requirements and ensure timely and accurate delivery of design assets.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provides design feedback and assigns work to OPS and/or student designers, fostering a collaborative and productive design environment.

• Best Practice Implementation: Researches and promotes emerging best practices in design for collaborators, clients, and junior designers, focusing on learning aesthetics and college marketing.

• Event Photography: Attends and photographs college events, faculty, staff, and students, producing visually appealing images optimized for promotional and marketing materials while adhering to university branding standards.

• Image Optimization: Proficiently frames photos, performs post-photoshoot editing, and optimizes images for both web and print applications.

• ADA Compliance: Ensures all digital and print materials meet University and College requirements for accessibility, including ADA compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management skills, especially given the collaboration with multiple Assistant Directors and the potential leadership of student designers. The emphasis on ADA compliance and "learning aesthetics" suggests a focus on accessible and user-friendly design for educational content, requiring an understanding of UX/UI principles within an academic context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in an appropriate area (e.g., Graphic Design, Arts, Marketing, Communications) OR

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area (e.g., Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design, Arts, Business Administration) with a minimum of two years of relevant experience.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of two years of relevant professional graphic design experience.

• Proven experience in creating dynamic graphics for both digital and print applications.

• Experience with professional photography equipment and techniques. Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Extensive experience with Adobe Creative Suite products, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator.

• Layout and Typography: Strong skills in layout design and typography for both print and digital media.

• Branding and Visual Identity: Ability to develop and maintain consistent branding and visual identity across various platforms.

• Print Production Knowledge: Familiarity with CMYK color models, print techniques, and procedures.

• ADA Compliance: Knowledge of accessibility standards for website and graphic design products, with a strong understanding of ADA requirements.

• Photography Skills: Proficiency in professional photography, including framing, post-shoot editing, and image optimization for web and print.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interaction and team collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe After Effects and Adobe XD for motion graphics and UI/UX design.

• Experience in marketing or advertising within a higher education setting.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for web updates.

• Understanding of web design principles and user experience (UX) best practices.

• Experience leading or mentoring junior designers or student staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred" skills section strongly suggests that candidates with experience in motion graphics (After Effects) and UI/UX design (XD) will have a significant advantage, indicating a growing need for more interactive and dynamic digital content within the College of Education. Experience in higher education marketing is also a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design work for both digital and print applications.

• Demonstrate proficiency in visual design, layout, typography, and branding execution.

• Include examples that illustrate creative problem-solving and a unique approach to design challenges.

• Showcase projects that required adherence to specific branding guidelines and accessibility standards (e.g., ADA). Process Documentation:

• Examples of projects where a structured design process was followed, from initial concept and research to final delivery.

• Case studies or project descriptions that highlight how design decisions were made, considering client needs, target audience, and project objectives.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow management for design projects, including client communication, feedback incorporation, and timeline adherence.

• Showcase how design solutions were researched, planned, and implemented, including staying abreast of new design technologies and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio with "visual design, layout, typography, branding, and overall creative approach" indicates that the hiring team will be evaluating not just technical skills but also the candidate's artistic vision and ability to translate concepts into impactful visuals. Projects demonstrating ADA compliance and adherence to university branding will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a "Graphic Designer II" position within a university setting, and the exact salary is not specified, a typical range for this role in Gainesville, Florida, with 2-5 years of experience, would likely fall between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for graphic designers in higher education and regional cost of living data.

• The "Expected Salary" listed as "Graphic Designer II" is a placeholder and does not indicate a specific value. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Plan: Access to the Florida Retirement System (FRS) pension or investment plan.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation leave, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Tuition Assistance: Potential for tuition waivers or discounts for employees and dependents at the University of Florida.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.

• Wellness Programs: Access to university-wide wellness initiatives and resources.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, there may be occasional flexibility for attending college events outside of regular business hours, with compensatory time off potentially available.

📝 Enhancement Note: University of Florida employees typically have access to robust benefits packages, including strong retirement and health plans, which are significant advantages for long-term career stability. The mention of "time-limited and soft-funded" indicates this position may have an end date or be dependent on continued funding, which is a crucial detail for potential applicants to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Public University)

Company Size: Large (University of Florida is one of the largest universities in the US by enrollment and faculty/staff)

Founded: 1853 (University of Florida has a long and rich history, fostering a culture of tradition alongside innovation.)

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will be part of the e-Learning, Technology and Communications department within the College of Education.

• This department likely includes specialists in instructional design, web development, communications, and potentially other technology-focused roles.

• The designer will report to an Assistant Director of Operations and collaborate closely with other Assistant Directors (Communications, Education & Training Programs) and potentially a Senior Director of Operations.

• There is an expectation to provide leadership and feedback to OPS (Other Personnel Services) and/or student designers. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using research and best practices to inform design decisions, aligning with university and college marketing objectives.

• Collaborative Workflow: A structured approach to project management involving cross-functional teams, client communication, and feedback loops.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement of ongoing professional development to stay current with design trends and technologies, applied to enhance project and program branding.

• Accessibility Focus: Commitment to designing accessible materials that meet ADA compliance standards for diverse audiences.

Company Website: https://www.ufl.edu/, https://education.ufl.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large public university like UF means operating within established institutional frameworks and brand guidelines. The culture likely values academic rigor, research, and public service. The e-Learning, Technology and Communications department specifically will be focused on supporting educational innovation and effective communication strategies, requiring designers to be adaptable and understand the unique needs of an academic environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an intermediate-level graphic design position (Graphic Designer II), indicating a need for foundational experience and the ability to work independently on assigned projects, while also offering mentorship to junior staff. It's a key contributor role within the operations of the e-Learning, Technology and Communications department.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II reports to an Assistant Director of Operations, signifying a connection to operational efficiency and project execution. This individual will also collaborate with other Assistant Directors, suggesting cross-functional project leadership and communication is expected.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant in shaping the visual identity and communication effectiveness of the College of Education. By creating engaging instructional materials, promotional assets, and maintaining brand consistency, the designer directly contributes to the college's outreach efforts, student recruitment, professional development, and overall reputation. High-quality design enhances learning experiences and strengthens the college's brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as UI/UX design, motion graphics, or advanced print production through professional development.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a senior designer role, taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, and further developing mentorship capabilities for junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Experience collaborating with diverse teams (instructional design, IT, marketing, communications) can broaden understanding of different operational facets within the university.

• Portfolio Expansion: The diverse range of projects (online courses, print, social media, photography) offers ample opportunity to build a robust and varied professional portfolio.

• Advancement within UF: Potential to move into higher-level design roles or related positions within other departments of the University of Florida system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "time-limited and soft-funded" nature of the position is a critical factor in career growth. While it offers excellent experience, candidates should be aware of the potential need to seek new opportunities after the term ends, or actively pursue conversion to a permanent role if available. The growth path here is more about skill enhancement and project leadership within the current role rather than a direct hierarchical promotion in the short term.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on the University of Florida's Main Campus in Gainesville, FL, implying a traditional academic office environment. This typically includes shared office spaces, potentially with dedicated workstations for designers.

Office Location(s): Main Campus (Gainesville, FL). This location offers access to university resources, libraries, and a vibrant campus community. Specific office location within the College of Education's e-Learning, Technology and Communications department.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact with instructional designers, communications specialists, and other creative professionals.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), photography equipment, and potentially other digital creation tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project discussions, and opportunities to receive and provide feedback on design work. The presence of OPS and student designers suggests a dynamic, potentially multi-generational team.

• Academic Setting: Exposure to a university culture that values education, research, and community engagement.

Work Schedule:

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

• Flexibility may be required for attending events or meeting project deadlines, with potential for compensatory time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)" location means candidates should be prepared for a full-time on-site commitment. The work environment will be characteristic of a large public university department, balancing structured processes with creative output and a strong community focus.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Applications will be screened based on resume, cover letter, and the mandatory design portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation: Shortlisted candidates will likely be invited to present their portfolio. This is a critical stage where candidates will walk through selected projects, explaining their design process, rationale, and the impact of their work.

• Skills Assessment/Test: A practical design exercise or test may be administered to evaluate technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and speed under timed conditions. This could involve creating a specific graphic or revising an existing one.

• Interviews: Candidates will likely have interviews with the Assistant Director of Operations, other Assistant Directors, and potentially senior leadership. These interviews will assess technical proficiency, creative thinking, communication skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within the department and university.

• Final Evaluation: Focus on a candidate's ability to meet the role's requirements, including design expertise, operational understanding, and alignment with the college's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a breadth of skills (print, digital, branding, photography). Tailor the selection to highlight experience with educational materials or marketing for similar institutions if possible.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used, your specific contributions, and the final outcome/impact. Include sketches, wireframes, or early concepts if they illustrate your thought process.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio explicitly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, typography, layout, branding, and ADA compliance. If you have After Effects or XD work, include it.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or describe the positive results of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity, successful event promotion).

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. A digital format (PDF or personal website) is expected.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Be prepared for design challenges that reflect the needs of an academic institution and the College of Education. This might involve designing a promotional flyer for an online course, an infographic explaining a research finding, or social media graphics for an event.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a limited timeframe.

• Articulate Rationale: Be ready to explain your design choices clearly and concisely, justifying them based on project goals, target audience, and university branding.

• Focus on ADA: If the challenge involves digital assets, consider accessibility principles in your design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Special Instructions to Applicants" explicitly states that applications without a portfolio will not be considered. This underscores the critical importance of a strong, well-curated portfolio for this role. The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio presentation and the candidate's ability to articulate their design decisions and process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout design, print materials, publications, and templates.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Critical for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Key for creating logos, icons, vector graphics, and illustrations.

• Adobe After Effects (Preferred): For motion graphics, animated social media content, and video intros/outros.

• Adobe XD (Preferred): For UI/UX design, prototyping, and web design mockups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly listed as a primary tool for the designer, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on web platforms or social media is beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) or social media analytics dashboards could be advantageous for understanding design performance. CRM & Automation:

• This role does not typically involve CRM or automation tools directly, but designers may work with marketing teams who utilize these. Understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing campaigns could be a plus. Photography Equipment:

• Professional photography equipment (DSLR or mirrorless cameras, lenses, lighting, backdrops) for event and portrait photography. Other:

• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress for basic website updates may be helpful.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and tools for checking compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) is non-negotiable. The inclusion of After Effects and XD as preferred skills signals a move towards more dynamic and interactive digital content, making candidates with these skills highly desirable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Education: A commitment to supporting the mission of the College of Education through high-quality design that enhances learning and communication.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Valuing input from colleagues, clients, and junior team members to achieve collective success on projects.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing new design technologies, trends, and methodologies to stay relevant and effective.

• Efficiency and Effectiveness: Striving for streamlined design processes and impactful visual solutions that meet objectives.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Dedication to creating materials that are usable and understandable by all members of the university community and beyond.

• Professionalism and Integrity: Upholding high standards in work quality, client interactions, and ethical practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with instructional designers, communications staff, and operational leads to ensure design aligns with educational goals and marketing strategies.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on design work to continuously improve outcomes.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share expertise, provide guidance to junior designers, and learn from others within the team and across departments.

• Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with internal and external clients to understand their needs and deliver design solutions that meet their specific requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a university department like UF's College of Education's e-Learning, Technology and Communications will likely be a blend of academic rigor and creative output. Expect a professional yet collegial atmosphere where collaboration and continuous learning are encouraged, with a strong emphasis on supporting the institution's educational mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Juggling design requests from various college departments (Advancement, Student Services, Dean's Office) with different priorities and stakeholders.

• Adhering to Brand Standards: Consistently applying the University of Florida and College of Education's branding guidelines across a wide array of materials, while still allowing for creative expression.

• Technical Skill Evolution: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design software, technologies (e.g., AI in design), and digital trends to maintain relevance.

• Time-Limited Position: Managing project timelines effectively within a role that is designated as "time-limited and soft-funded," requiring adaptability and a focus on impact within the contract period.

• Accessibility Implementation: Ensuring all designs, especially digital ones, meet stringent ADA compliance standards can be technically challenging and require ongoing learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Access to workshops, webinars, or courses focused on advanced Adobe Suite features, UI/UX design, motion graphics, or accessibility best practices.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend design conferences or professional development events relevant to higher education or digital learning.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior team members, Assistant Directors, and collaborating professionals within the university.

• Project Diversity: Gaining experience across a wide spectrum of design projects, from print collateral to complex digital interfaces, significantly enhancing one's portfolio and skill set.

• Leadership Experience: Developing leadership and mentorship skills by guiding student and OPS designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "time-limited" aspect of the role presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires a candidate who can deliver immediate impact and adapt quickly, while also offering a chance to gain diverse experience within a short period. Proactive engagement in professional development will be key to overcoming the challenge of staying current and maximizing growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a promotional flyer for a new online course, considering both print and digital distribution. How would you ensure it aligns with university branding and ADA requirements?" (Focus on process, branding, ADA, and multi-channel design).

• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance multiple stakeholder requests or feedback. How did you manage expectations and arrive at a final design solution?" (Focus on project management, communication, and stakeholder negotiation).

• "Imagine you are tasked with creating a new visual identity for a student services initiative. What steps would you take from initial concept to final brand assets?" (Focus on branding strategy, research, and creative development). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about working for the University of Florida's College of Education, specifically within the e-Learning, Technology and Communications department?" (Research the college's mission, values, and recent initiatives).

• "How do you stay current with design trends and technologies, and how have you applied new learning in past roles?" (Demonstrate proactivity and a commitment to professional development).

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment, especially with individuals from different departments or with varying technical expertise." (Highlight collaboration and communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem you solved, your design process, the final solution, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, layout, typography, branding, and ADA compliance. If you have After Effects or XD work, showcase it.

• Showcase Process: Be ready to discuss your thought process, including research, ideation, iterations, and how you incorporated feedback. Visual aids like sketches or wireframes can be very effective here.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, share any metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the success of your design work (e.g., increased click-through rates, positive event feedback, improved brand recognition).

• Tailor to UF: Briefly mention how your skills and experience are relevant to the University of Florida and the College of Education's specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasize that the portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should prepare to present 3-5 projects in detail, focusing on the "why" and "how" behind their design decisions, not just the final aesthetic. Be ready to discuss ADA compliance and branding adherence thoroughly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the University of Florida's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Meticulously curate your design portfolio. Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in graphic design for digital and print applications, with a particular focus on layout, typography, branding, and ADA compliance. Ensure it is professionally presented in a digital format (PDF or personal website).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 2+ years of relevant experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), experience with print media, web design, branding, photography, and ADA compliance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that addresses your interest in the University of Florida and the College of Education, and briefly explains how your design expertise aligns with the responsibilities outlined, especially regarding educational technology and marketing.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the University of Florida, the College of Education, and the e-Learning, Technology and Communications department. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects to better articulate your interest and fit during interviews.

• Portfolio Presentation Practice: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clearly articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss specific projects in detail and answer questions about your technical skills and creative approach.

⚠️ 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.