Graphic Designer III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer III

Company: Texas A&M University System

Location: College Station, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations (Graphic Design Focus)

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provides technical leadership and strategic direction for complex print, web, digital, and multimedia projects within a higher education marketing and communications framework.

• Oversees and manages the VMBS Digital Signage System, ensuring timely and effective deployment of public-facing graphic content.

• Collaborates with internal clients, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure adherence to brand guidelines and achieve optimal project outcomes.

• Leverages expert-level graphic design skills across various mediums, including print publications, social media, web content, and email marketing.

• Acts as a key contributor to the Dean of Veterinary Medicine's communication strategies, enhancing visual representation and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer III," the responsibilities clearly indicate a role that extends beyond pure design execution, encompassing strategic direction, technical leadership, and system administration (Digital Signage). This positions the role as a crucial operational function within the marketing and communications department, requiring a blend of creative expertise and operational oversight. The focus on "technical leadership" and "strategic direction" suggests a need for process-oriented thinking and an understanding of how design contributes to broader organizational goals, aligning it with operational principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development process for high-profile communications materials, including magazines, white papers, annual reports, brochures, and pamphlets, ensuring all visual elements are strategically aligned.

• Develop conceptual design solutions and strategies that effectively communicate key messages for the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS).

• Manage the VMBS Digital Signage System, including content creation, editing, scheduling, and template development to enhance the college's digital presence.

• Collaborate closely with external vendors for printing and collateral needs, managing specifications, pricing, art proof checks, and press checks to ensure superior quality and timely delivery.

• Advise and consult with internal clients and partners, ensuring all developed materials strictly adhere to Texas A&M Brand Guidelines and institutional standards.

• Create compelling graphics and visual elements for diverse platforms such as social media, web pages, email campaigns, event materials (invitations, programs, signage), and research posters.

• Coordinate production schedules and manage project documentation, including approvals, comments, drafts, and final artwork, to maintain organized workflows.

• Provide expert guidance on editing and content refinement for editorial, marketing, advertising, development, and general communications pieces.

• Support the development of self-service/templated options for internal clients utilizing the digital signage system.

• Present branding and design concepts effectively to clients and partners, articulating the strategic rationale behind design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for proactive project management and vendor relationship management, which are core operational functions. The detailed involvement in production schedules, proof checks, and vendor coordination indicates a requirement for meticulous process execution and efficiency. The digital signage administration also points to a systems management responsibility within the operations framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of related professional experience in graphic design, web development, print and electronic media, or marketing.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite software (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat).

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines independently.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale clearly.

• Proven ability to work independently and lead project teams when necessary.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the REACH digital signage system.

• Familiarity with After Effects for motion graphics and animation.

• Experience with MS Excel and MS PowerPoint for data visualization and presentation.

• Understanding of web development principles and digital marketing design best practices.

• Experience working within a large university or institutional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "III" in the title and the requirement for "technical leadership and strategic direction" suggest that candidates should not only possess strong design skills but also demonstrate an ability to manage processes, guide junior designers (if applicable), and contribute to strategic planning for visual communications, which are key operational competencies. The preference for 5 years of Adobe Suite experience and specific mention of After Effects indicates a need for advanced technical capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong command of graphic design principles across various mediums (print, digital, web, social media).

• Case studies showcasing the ability to translate complex information or strategic goals into clear, compelling visual communications.

• Examples of projects where adherence to brand guidelines was critical, demonstrating an understanding of institutional branding.

• Demonstrations of workflow management within design projects, potentially including initial concepts, revisions, and final outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of process development for design projects, from initial brief to final delivery, highlighting efficiency and client collaboration.

• Include documentation or case studies that illustrate how you managed vendor relationships and production processes for print or other collateral materials.

• Provide examples of how you have developed and maintained templates for recurring design needs, such as digital signage or email campaigns.

• Demonstrate experience in managing project documentation and approvals, showcasing organizational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Graphic Designer III" role with operational oversight responsibilities, a portfolio should go beyond simply showcasing aesthetics. It needs to demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage design processes, collaborate effectively, follow established protocols (like brand guidelines), and deliver results efficiently, especially in areas like digital signage content deployment and vendor coordination.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated: $50,000 - $60,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• Long-term Disability Insurance.

• Generous Paid Time Off:

  • 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.
  • Approximately 8 hours of paid sick leave per month.
  • Approximately 8 hours of paid vacation per month.

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).

• Health and Wellness Programs: Free exercise programs and release time.

• Professional Development:

  • Access to free LinkedIn Learning training and webinars.
  • Limited financial support for attending conferences and workshops.

• Educational Assistance: Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing degrees while employed.

Working Hours:

• Standard: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week).

• Flexibility: May occasionally require work outside standard hours, including weekends, and may involve on- or off-campus travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the "Proposed Minimum Salary" and "Salary" sections of the job description. The annual estimate is derived from the stated range and the standard 40-hour work week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences)

Company Size: Large University System (Texas A&M University System is a large, multi-campus system; Texas A&M University itself is a major research university with tens of thousands of employees and students). This size implies a structured environment with established processes and a broad scope of operations.

Founded: Texas A&M University was founded in 1876. The College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) has a history dating back to 1916, signifying a long-standing institution with deep roots and a strong legacy.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer III will be part of the Dean of Veterinary Medicine's department, likely within a broader Marketing & Communications team.

• This team is expected to support teaching, research, and outreach programs across the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

• Collaboration is a core value, with a focus on teamwork to translate discoveries into solutions.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven approaches and translating research into practical solutions.

• Commitment to collaboration and teamwork in achieving organizational goals.

• Adherence to established brand guidelines and institutional standards for all communications.

• Strategic application of design to support the college's teaching, research, and outreach missions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a major university and a specialized college like Veterinary Medicine implies a need for candidates to understand and navigate complex organizational structures, diverse stakeholder needs, and rigorous academic/research environments. The emphasis on "core values" (Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, Selfless Service) suggests a culture that prioritizes ethical conduct and service.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level role (Graphic Designer III) within a specialized department. It requires not only advanced design skills but also the ability to provide "technical leadership and strategic direction," manage a system (digital signage), and coordinate with external partners. This level is crucial for operational efficiency in visual communications.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer III will report to a manager or director within the Dean of Veterinary Medicine's department, likely overseeing Marketing & Communications.

• The role involves leading design projects and potentially overseeing the work of junior designers or interns, depending on team structure.

Operations Impact:

• The role directly impacts the professional image and external perception of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences through high-quality visual communications.

• Effective management of the digital signage system contributes to timely internal and external messaging, supporting operational announcements, events, and brand promotion.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in managing communication systems (like digital signage), refining project management workflows, and optimizing vendor relationships within a large institutional setting.

• Specialization: Potential to develop deeper expertise in specific areas such as motion graphics, advanced digital media design, or brand strategy implementation for academic institutions.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into roles with greater strategic oversight, team leadership, or specialized project management within marketing and communications.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with diverse academic and research departments, understanding their unique communication needs and operational challenges.

• Professional Development: Access to extensive training resources (LinkedIn Learning, workshops, conferences) provided by the university to enhance design and operational skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "III" designation and the responsibilities suggest a path towards senior design specialist roles or team lead positions within operations or marketing departments. The emphasis on strategic direction and system management indicates opportunities for growth in operational leadership rather than purely creative advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in College Station, TX, within the Texas A&M University campus environment. This suggests a professional office setting within a large, dynamic university.

Office Location(s): College Station, Texas. The specific office location within the campus will be within the Dean of Veterinary Medicine's administrative areas.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant collaboration with internal clients, marketing team members, and potentially faculty and researchers. Expect a team-oriented atmosphere with opportunities for brainstorming and feedback.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a full suite of Adobe Creative Suite software, digital signage systems (REACH preferred), and standard office productivity tools (MS Office). The environment will likely be equipped with professional-grade hardware suitable for graphic design.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with colleagues within the VMBS Marketing & Communications team and with various stakeholders across the college to gather requirements, present concepts, and manage projects.

Work Schedule:

• Predominantly Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Occasional requirement for work outside standard hours, including weekends, and potential for on- or off-campus travel, indicating a need for flexibility and commitment to project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a large university campus suggests a structured, professional environment with opportunities for networking and professional engagement within the broader university community. The need for occasional off-hours work highlights the operational demands of meeting deadlines in a dynamic academic setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, cover letter, and resume to assess qualifications against basic requirements.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step where candidates will present their portfolio, showcasing relevant design projects, strategic thinking, and process management. Expect to discuss your role, contributions, and the impact of your work.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a detailed discussion on technical proficiency with design software and systems (e.g., digital signage).

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions assessing problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, ability to handle deadlines, and alignment with university core values.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meeting with key team members and potential internal clients to gauge fit and communication style.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role, emphasizing print, digital, web, and any digital signage experience.

• Showcase Process & Strategy: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the process you followed (including research, concept development, revisions), the tools used, and the outcome/impact. Highlight how you adhered to brand guidelines or developed visual strategies.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, provide metrics or tangible results demonstrating the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., engagement rates for digital content, feedback on publications, successful event promotion).

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite and any digital signage systems you've managed.

• University Context: Tailor your presentation to reflect an understanding of the higher education environment and the specific needs of a veterinary college.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a design exercise that might involve creating a piece for a specific VMBS initiative or adapting existing materials. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of brand consistency, clarity, and strategic messaging under time constraints.

• Digital Signage Scenario: You might be asked to outline a strategy for deploying content on digital signage or to troubleshoot a hypothetical issue.

• Process Walkthrough: Be ready to explain your typical workflow for managing a design project from start to finish, including client interaction and vendor management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "technical leadership and strategic direction" means the interview process will likely assess not just design execution but also project management, client consultation, and strategic thinking. The portfolio review will be paramount, requiring candidates to demonstrate their operational approach to design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency is essential. This includes:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of publications (magazines, reports, brochures).
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and professional output.

• Digital Signage System: Experience with the REACH Digital Signage system is preferred. This involves content management, scheduling, template creation, and system administration.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in MS Excel (for data visualization/reporting) and MS PowerPoint (for presentations and internal client graphics).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, designers often work with analytics from web content and social media. Familiarity with how design impacts engagement metrics is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns may be beneficial for digital content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Adobe Creative Suite and the preference for REACH digital signage system are critical technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise in these areas, highlighting their ability to leverage them for efficient and effective design operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful visual communications that reflect the academic rigor and prestige of Texas A&M University.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in design, client interactions, and vendor relationships.

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment for collaboration among team members and with clients.

• Selfless Service: Dedication to supporting the mission and goals of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences through effective visual communication.

• Leadership & Loyalty: Demonstrating initiative in design projects and a commitment to the institution's objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with writers, editors, web developers, and other marketing professionals to create cohesive communication campaigns.

• Client-Centric Approach: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the needs of internal clients across academic and research departments, ensuring their communication objectives are met effectively and within brand standards.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Engaging in constructive feedback loops to refine designs and improve workflows, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement in communication operations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design expertise, best practices, and insights with colleagues and internal clients to elevate the overall quality of communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The integration of university core values into the team culture suggests that candidates will be assessed on their alignment with these principles. A collaborative style that respects process and delivers service is likely to be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Managing design requests from various departments within the VMBS, each with unique objectives, audiences, and priorities, while maintaining brand consistency.

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping pace with the latest design trends, digital technologies, and platform requirements for effective online and multimedia communications.

• Resource Management: Effectively coordinating with vendors and managing production schedules to ensure timely delivery of high-quality collateral within budget constraints.

• Technical Leadership in Design: Providing strategic direction and technical guidance in design, potentially mentoring junior staff or leading projects without direct supervision.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining hands-on experience managing a digital signage system, refining project management methodologies, and optimizing vendor partnerships within a large institutional framework.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen skills in motion graphics, interactive design, or specialized areas through provided training resources and challenging projects.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning and applying best practices in higher education marketing and communications, understanding the unique operational needs of an academic institution.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to receive mentorship from senior leaders and to develop leadership capabilities through leading design projects and system administration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of the role, requiring strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills beyond pure design. Growth opportunities focus on both specialized design skills and broader operational management capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting design requests from multiple stakeholders. How did you prioritize and ensure brand consistency?" (Assesses stakeholder management, prioritization, and brand adherence).

• "Walk us through your process for managing a complex print publication from concept to final print production, including vendor coordination." (Assesses project management, process execution, and vendor relations).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your design work contributing to the core values of Texas A&M University, such as Excellence, Integrity, and Selfless Service?" (Assesses cultural alignment).

• "Describe your experience working within a large institutional or university setting. What are the unique challenges and opportunities?" (Assesses understanding of the environment).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career and design philosophy, then present 3-5 key projects. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your process (including strategy and tools), and the results/impact.

• Focus on Operations: Highlight instances where you managed timelines, budgets, vendor relationships, or implemented efficient design workflows. Emphasize how your design decisions supported broader communication or operational goals.

• Brand Adherence: Be ready to discuss how you interpreted and applied brand guidelines, or how you would approach developing them.

• Digital Signage Expertise: If you have digital signage experience, be prepared to discuss system management, content strategy, and template creation.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your technical skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also operational competence, strategic thinking, and alignment with the university's values and mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Digital Signage," "Project Management," "Brand Guidelines," and "Higher Education," emphasizing achievements related to technical leadership and strategic direction.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your best work, ensuring it showcases a range of projects (print, digital, web) and clearly articulates your process, strategic thinking, and any operational management aspects (e.g., vendor coordination, system administration). Be ready to present this digitally or in person.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Briefly explain why you are a strong fit for this specific role at Texas A&M University, referencing your experience in graphic design, your ability to provide technical leadership, and your understanding of institutional branding.

• Research Texas A&M's Core Values: Familiarize yourself with the university's core values (Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, Selfless Service) and be prepared to discuss how your work and approach align with them. Understand the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

⚠️ 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.