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 / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role provides technical leadership and strategic direction for a wide array of marketing and communications projects within the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS).

• It involves expert-level graphic design, encompassing print, web, digital, and multimedia content creation to enhance the college's brand presence and outreach efforts.

• A key responsibility includes direct administration and content deployment for the VMBS Digital Signage System, requiring template development and scheduling.

• The position demands strong project coordination skills, including vendor management, production scheduling, and adherence to brand guidelines for all university collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description focuses on graphic design, its emphasis on technical leadership, strategic direction, project coordination, and system administration (Digital Signage) positions this role within a broader operational framework. The "Operations" category is inferred from the need to manage systems, processes, and cross-functional collaboration for marketing and communications output, aligning with GTM (Go-To-Market) support for the college's initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert-level graphic design and consultative services for complex, high-profile print and digital communications projects, including magazines, annual reports, brochures, and marketing collateral.

• Develop conceptual design solutions and strategies to effectively communicate the college's mission, research, and programs.

• Oversee the VMBS Digital Signage System, including managing, building, editing, scheduling, and deploying content, and developing reusable templates.

• Collaborate closely with internal clients, vendors, and the VMBS Marketing & Communications team to ensure all design projects meet quality standards, brand guidelines, and project objectives.

• Coordinate production schedules, manage documentation for projects (approvals, drafts, artwork), and work with vendors on printing and purchasing collateral to ensure timeliness, quantity, and quality.

• Advise on and implement editing needs for editorial, marketing, advertising, and general content to ensure cohesive messaging across all communication channels.

• Ensure all developed materials adhere to Texas A&M University Brand Guidelines and promote a consistent visual identity for the college.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational oversight. The management of digital signage and vendor coordination points to process-driven tasks, crucial for effective marketing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a strong focus on print, web development, digital media, and multimedia projects.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, balance competing deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong conceptualization and problem-solving skills in visual communication and design strategy.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts and advise clients effectively.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including internal clients and external vendors.

Preferred Skills:

• Five (5) or more years of experience working extensively with the Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe After Effects for motion graphics.

• Direct experience with the REACH digital signage system or similar digital signage platforms.

• Familiarity with the Texas A&M University Brand Guidelines and higher education marketing principles.

• Experience in project management and coordinating production schedules with vendors.

• Ability to lead design teams and provide technical direction on complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and digital signage administration, coupled with the experience level, suggests a need for a designer who can also manage operational aspects of content deployment and vendor liaison, bordering on a Creative Operations or Marketing Operations specialist.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong foundation in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy across various media.

• Case studies showcasing end-to-end project management, from initial concept development and client consultation to final production and deployment, highlighting problem-solving and strategic design thinking.

• Examples of work that effectively communicates complex information, particularly within an academic or scientific context, demonstrating an ability to translate technical concepts into accessible visuals.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in digital content creation, including web graphics, social media assets, and animated elements, showcasing adaptability to evolving digital platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have managed project workflows, from brief to final delivery, including client feedback incorporation and revision processes.

• Illustrate your approach to adhering to brand guidelines and ensuring consistency across multiple projects and platforms.

• Provide insights into your collaboration process with clients and stakeholders, demonstrating how you gather requirements and present design solutions.

• Detail your experience in coordinating with external vendors for print production, including understanding specifications, proofing, and quality control.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a portfolio should not just showcase creative output but also the candidate's ability to manage projects, adhere to operational processes, and effectively communicate with stakeholders and vendors. This aligns with the expectations for a mid-to-senior level operations-oriented creative professional.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000 per year. This is a proposed range, and the final salary will be commensurate with the selected candidate's education and experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life & Disability: Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability insurance.

• Financial Wellness: Flexible spending accounts and automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).

• Paid Time Off: 12-15 annual paid holidays, eight hours of paid sick leave per month, and eight hours of paid vacation per month.

• Professional Development: Access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support for conferences and workshops.

• Educational Opportunities: Educational release time and tuition assistance for employees pursuing degrees.

• Wellness Programs: Access to free exercise programs and release time through the "Living Well" initiative.

Working Hours: Full-time, standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional work outside standard hours, including weekends and travel, may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting the offerings of a large university system, which is a significant draw for operations professionals seeking stability and comprehensive support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (specifically Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences). This context implies a mission-driven environment focused on research, education, and public service.

Company Size: Texas A&M University is a large, comprehensive public research university, part of the Texas A&M University System, which employs tens of thousands of people. This scale offers stability and numerous resources.

Founded: Texas A&M University was founded in 1876, bringing a long history of tradition and academic excellence. The College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) has a history dating back to 1916.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer III will likely be part of the VMBS Marketing & Communications team, which supports the Dean's office and various departments within the college.

• This team likely includes other marketing and communications professionals, writers, editors, and potentially social media or web specialists.

• The role may involve working with a dedicated manager or director of marketing and communications, with reporting lines structured within the college's administrative hierarchy.

Methodology:

• Design projects will be guided by the college's strategic goals and the overarching Texas A&M University Brand Guidelines.

• Data-driven insights might influence design choices, though the primary focus is on effective visual communication and brand consistency.

• Workflow management will be critical, involving project intake, design execution, client reviews, revisions, and production coordination.

• Emphasis will be placed on collaboration, efficiency in production, and ensuring high-quality output that reflects the academic rigor and prestige of the institution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the academic environment of a large university is crucial. Operations roles here often involve navigating established processes, adhering to strict branding, and serving a diverse internal client base. The scale of Texas A&M suggests robust internal support systems and opportunities for process improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a Graphic Designer III, indicating a mid-to-senior level role. It requires technical leadership and strategic input, moving beyond basic execution to encompass consultation, system administration, and project oversight. This is a step towards specialized creative operations or lead designer roles.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer III will report to a manager or director within the VMBS Marketing & Communications department. This structure provides mentorship and oversight for complex projects and strategic initiatives.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant in shaping the public perception and internal communication of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. High-quality design enhances brand credibility, supports recruitment efforts, communicates research achievements, and facilitates effective outreach, all of which contribute to the college's overall mission and success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like digital signage management, advanced motion graphics, or scientific illustration.

• Leadership: Opportunity to lead design projects, mentor junior designers (if applicable), and provide strategic creative direction.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with various departments within the VMBS, understanding their unique communication needs, and contributing to larger university-wide initiatives.

• Skill Development: Access to professional development resources like LinkedIn Learning and potential conference support can foster growth in new design technologies, project management techniques, and strategic marketing.

• Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Operations Manager within the university system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "III" designation and the blend of design with leadership and system management point to a role with significant growth potential within a large, structured organization like Texas A&M. Career progression often involves moving from execution to oversight and strategic contribution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is located on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station, TX. This implies a traditional office environment within a large university setting.

Office Location(s): College Station, Texas. The specific office location will be within the Dean of Veterinary Medicine department, likely in proximity to the main VMBS facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close interaction with colleagues in the Marketing & Communications team, as well as faculty, staff, and students across the VMBS. Expect a dynamic environment with frequent communication and team-based project work.

• Tools and Technology: Access to modern design software (Adobe Creative Suite), digital signage systems (REACH), and standard office productivity tools. The university likely provides robust IT infrastructure and support.

• Team Interaction: Regular meetings, design critiques, and collaborative sessions are expected, fostering a culture of shared learning and continuous improvement in creative output.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the role may require occasional flexibility to work outside these hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet project deadlines or support events. Travel on or off-campus may also be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role within a large university campus offers a stable, professional environment with access to campus amenities and a structured workday, balanced with the expectation of occasional flexibility for project demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications, focusing on resume content and portfolio quality, to identify candidates meeting the minimum qualifications and preferred skills.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant work.

This is a critical step to assess design skills, strategic thinking, and project management capabilities.

• Interviews: Expect multiple rounds of interviews. This may include:

  • A one-on-one interview with the hiring manager to discuss experience, technical skills, and cultural fit.
  • A panel interview with team members and potentially key stakeholders, focusing on collaboration, problem-solving, and ability to handle diverse projects.
  • A presentation of portfolio work, where candidates explain their design process, strategic rationale, and project outcomes.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study may be assigned to evaluate design skills, problem-solving abilities under pressure, and adherence to brand guidelines.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate the breadth of your skills (print, digital, signage) and your ability to manage projects from concept to completion.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem or objective, your role, your design process (research, ideation, execution), the tools used, and the final outcome/impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful event promotion).

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully navigated and applied brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of institutional branding.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects related to digital signage, academic/research communications, and high-profile publications to align with the VMBS's needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the VMBS: Research the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, its mission, key programs, and recent achievements. Familiarize yourself with their current marketing materials and website.

• Brand Guideline Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss how you interpret and apply brand guidelines, especially for a large institution.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicting client feedback, tight deadlines, or challenging design briefs. Prepare examples from your past experience.

• Digital Signage Strategy: Think about how you would approach content strategy, template design, and scheduling for a university-wide digital signage system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case study indicates that the hiring team values practical demonstration of skills and process. Preparing to articulate the "why" behind design choices and showcasing project management capabilities will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat.

• Adobe After Effects: Preferred for motion graphics and dynamic content creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in MS Excel and MS PowerPoint is needed for certain project tasks and internal reporting/presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Digital Signage System:

• REACH Digital Signage System: Preferred experience; candidates must be willing to learn and administer this system. This involves content management, template creation, scheduling, and troubleshooting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite. Proficiency with digital signage administration is a significant differentiator, pointing to the operational aspect of content deployment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design and impactful communication that reflects the academic standards of Texas A&M.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical design practices, respecting intellectual property, and ensuring transparency in project management.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, valuing input from colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to achieve collective goals.

• Service: Dedication to supporting the mission of the VMBS and Texas A&M University through effective communication and design solutions.

• Efficiency: Optimizing design processes and workflows to meet deadlines and manage resources effectively, particularly in print production and digital content deployment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with writers, editors, marketing specialists, faculty, researchers, and administrative staff. Proactive communication and a team-oriented approach are essential.

• Process Review: An openness to discussing and refining design and production processes to improve efficiency and outcomes. Providing constructive feedback and being receptive to it.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design expertise, best practices, and insights with team members and internal clients to foster a more knowledgeable and capable marketing function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The university's core values (Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, Selfless Service) will strongly influence the team's culture. Operations professionals in this environment are expected to embody these values in their daily work, particularly in how they manage projects and interact with others.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Navigating the often-strict brand guidelines of a large university while still producing innovative and engaging designs.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively translating the varied requirements and expectations of faculty, researchers, and administrative departments into cohesive design solutions.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Digital Platforms: Continuously adapting design strategies and skills to meet the demands of new digital channels, social media trends, and evolving signage technology.

• Prioritization Under Pressure: Managing a high volume of requests and deadlines from multiple sources within a dynamic academic environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Software: Deepening expertise in advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite, including motion graphics, UI/UX principles, or 3D rendering.

• Digital Signage Administration: Becoming a subject matter expert in digital signage content strategy, system management, and best practices for public display communications.

• Project Management & Operations: Developing skills in workflow optimization, vendor management, and creative operations management within a large institutional setting.

• Higher Education Marketing Trends: Staying abreast of best practices in marketing and communications specific to universities and research institutions.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior staff and lead design initiatives, preparing for future leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a creative role within a large, structured organization. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for someone looking to blend creative talent with operational management and strategic thinking.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project you led from concept to completion. What were the objectives, your process, the challenges, and the outcome?" (Focus on project management, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you approach balancing creative freedom with strict brand guidelines, especially in a large institutional setting like Texas A&M?" (Assess understanding of branding and adaptability.)

• "Imagine you need to design a campaign for a new research breakthrough. How would you approach visualizing complex scientific information for a diverse audience?" (Evaluate conceptualization and audience awareness.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Texas A&M University's core values and how would you integrate them into your design work?" (Assess research and cultural alignment.)

• "Describe your experience working collaboratively with writers, marketing teams, and non-creative stakeholders. How do you handle feedback?" (Evaluate teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, your role, and the impact.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., engagement rates, attendance figures for events promoted, positive feedback received).

• Showcase Process: Briefly walk through your design process – research, sketching, digital execution, revisions, and final delivery. This demonstrates your methodology.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques you used, especially Adobe Creative Suite and any digital signage experience.

• Address VMBS Needs: Ensure your presented work includes examples relevant to higher education, scientific communication, or digital display content.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also operational acumen: project management, stakeholder communication, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the university's unique environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer III position:

• Visit the Texas A&M University System job portal and locate the listing for Graphic Designer III (Job ID: R-092948).

• Submit your application through the Workday system. Ensure all required fields are accurately completed.

• Upload a comprehensive resume and a compelling cover letter that highlights your relevant experience, technical skills, and why you are a strong candidate for this role.

• Prepare your design portfolio: Curate your best work, focusing on projects that demonstrate expertise in print, digital, and ideally, digital signage. Be ready to articulate your process and results for each piece.

• Research Texas A&M University and the VMBS: Familiarize yourself with their mission, core values, brand guidelines, and recent communications to tailor your application and prepare for potential interview questions.

• Practice your portfolio presentation: Be ready to discuss your design choices, project management strategies, and how you would contribute to the VMBS's communication goals.

⚠️ 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.