Graphic Designer III (Center for Communications Program)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer III (Center for Communications Program)

Company: Johns Hopkins University

Location: Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Art & Design / Creative & Media / Marketing / Healthcare

Date Posted: September 08, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and executes innovative visual communication strategies, aligning with the overarching goals of the Center for Communications Programs (CCP) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

• Leads the creative design and production of a diverse range of strategic projects, encompassing both print and digital media, ensuring brand consistency and high-quality output.

• Collaborates effectively within cross-functional teams, partnering with editors, writers, web developers, and video professionals to deliver holistic and impactful creative solutions.

• Serves as a key contributor to creative concept development and presentations, demonstrating a strong understanding of current and emerging design trends and aesthetic principles.

• Acts as a brand ambassador, educating colleagues on creative standards, brand guidelines, and available design assets to maintain a cohesive organizational identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on graphic design tasks, the context of the "Center for Communications Program" within the "Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health" strongly suggests this role is deeply embedded within a public health communications strategy. Therefore, the role's impact extends beyond pure aesthetics to strategic messaging and outreach for health-related initiatives. The "Graphic Designer III" title and the "ATP/04/PC" role/level classification at JHU typically indicate a mid-level professional with significant autonomy and responsibility for project execution and creative direction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide array of visual materials, including but not limited to logos, signage, annual reports, advertisements, publications, branded collateral, social media graphics, event promotions, custom illustrations, and motion graphics.

• Lead design efforts on cross-functional project teams, ensuring that all print and digital design outputs are of the highest quality, maintain brand integrity, and effectively support project objectives.

• Direct photo shoots and commission illustration assignments to procure or create compelling visual assets that enhance communication materials.

• Partner closely with editors, writers, web and video professionals, and other project stakeholders to develop comprehensive and integrated creative solutions that meet diverse communication needs.

• Act as a brand guardian, actively communicating and educating internal teams on creative best practices, brand guidelines, and the effective use of brand assets and tools.

• Manage multiple concurrent projects, meticulously tracking progress against deadlines and schedules to ensure timely and efficient delivery of all design deliverables.

• Contribute substantively to creative concept presentations for leadership and project stakeholders, articulating design rationale and strategic vision.

• Ensure a meticulous balance between aesthetic appeal (form) and functional effectiveness (function) in all created materials, prioritizing user experience and communication clarity.

• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute to broader departmental or programmatic needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities list has been expanded to detail the scope of creative output and stakeholder collaboration, emphasizing the strategic nature of the design work beyond mere execution. The inclusion of "strategic communications projects" and "holistic creative solutions" points to a need for designers who can think conceptually and integrate design into broader communication strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Equivalent experience may be considered in line with JHU's equivalency formula, potentially substituting additional related experience for formal education requirements beyond a high school diploma. Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality visual solutions.

• Demonstrated experience working on diverse strategic communications projects, showcasing creative problem-solving abilities and concept development skills. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Graphic Design principles and applications, with a strong portfolio showcasing a breadth of creative work.

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) on a Mac platform.

• Strong skills in Visual Communication, translating complex ideas into clear and compelling visual narratives.

• Intermediate understanding of Branding principles, including logo development and brand collateral creation.

• Intermediate ability in Animation, for creating engaging dynamic content.

• Advanced proficiency in Concept Art, for ideation and visual development.

• Intermediate proficiency in Editing, for refining visual assets and layouts.

• Experience with Project Management Software, such as Smartsheet, for managing workflows and timelines.

• Basic to Intermediate knowledge of Video Production processes and software (e.g., After Effects, Adobe Premiere).

• Intermediate proficiency in Needs Assessment, to understand project requirements and stakeholder objectives. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Website Design, including UI/UX considerations for digital platforms.

• DSLR Photography experience, for directing or executing photo shoots.

• Advanced technical skills in After Effects and Adobe Premiere for sophisticated video production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency" section from the original description has been integrated and expanded into "Required Skills" and "Preferred Skills" for clarity. The "Advanced" and "Intermediate" levels have been retained to provide specific guidance on the expected mastery of each skill. The emphasis on "Mac using Adobe Creative Suite" has been noted as a specific platform requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive and professionally curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of four years of relevant graphic design experience.

• The portfolio must demonstrate advanced graphic design skills, including logo development, branding, publication design, social media graphics, and motion graphics.

• Evidence of creative problem-solving and concept development for strategic communication projects.

• Clear examples of print and digital design execution, highlighting attention to detail and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Documentation of work on cross-functional teams, illustrating collaboration and contribution to holistic creative solutions. Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally illustrate the design process, from initial concept ideation to final production.

• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, showcasing effective time management and workflow organization.

• Include case studies or project descriptions that highlight the role of design in achieving specific communication objectives or solving strategic challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original job description explicitly mentions "four years of related experience and a portfolio." This section extrapolates on what constitutes a strong portfolio for a Graphic Designer III role, focusing on the breadth of skills, strategic thinking, and process documentation expected at this level within an academic/public health communication context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $26.51 - $46.51 per hour (Commensurate with experience)

Benefits:

• As part of Johns Hopkins University, employees typically have access to a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 403(b) or 401(k)) with potential employer match.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

  • Tuition assistance programs for employees and/or dependents.

  • Access to university resources, libraries, and wellness programs.

  • Professional development opportunities and training. Working Hours:

• Days and hours may vary, indicating flexibility is required to meet project demands and deadlines.

• The role is listed as "Casual / On Call" in the original posting, which may imply variable hours and potential for on-demand work, though the primary employment type is FULL_TIME.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is hourly. The "Employee group: Casual / On Call" alongside "FULL_TIME" employment type is noted as potentially indicating a role with consistent hours but with the flexibility or need for on-demand support, which is common in academic program support roles. Benefits listed are typical for a large university setting like Johns Hopkins and are inferred based on industry standards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Public Health / Communications

Company Size: Johns Hopkins University is a large, globally recognized research institution with tens of thousands of employees, indicating a robust organizational structure and extensive resources. The Center for Communications Programs (CCP) is a specialized unit within the Bloomberg School of Public Health, likely fostering a culture focused on impactful communication for global health initiatives.

Founded: Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876, bringing a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. The Bloomberg School of Public Health, established in 1916, is a leading institution dedicated to improving health worldwide.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer III will be part of the Center for Communications Programs (CCP), likely working within a dedicated communications or creative services team.

• This team probably includes other designers, writers, editors, web specialists, and video professionals.

• The role implies collaboration with project managers and potentially program directors within the School of Public Health.

• Reporting is likely to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or a senior communications lead within CCP. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven communication strategies to support public health initiatives.

• Collaborative approach to creative development, involving stakeholders from various public health programs.

• Focus on producing high-quality, accessible, and impactful visual materials for diverse audiences, both domestically and internationally.

• Utilization of current design trends and technologies to enhance engagement and reach.

Company Website: https://www.jhu.edu/ & https://www.jhu.edu/centers-and-institutes/center-for-communication-programs/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of Johns Hopkins University and its School of Public Health is crucial. This role is not in a typical corporate marketing department but within an academic and research environment focused on global health. This implies a mission-driven culture where design directly supports public health outcomes and educational outreach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Graphic Designer III (ATP/04/PC) - This designation typically signifies a mid-level professional role within Johns Hopkins University. It suggests a capacity for independent work, leadership on specific projects, and a significant contribution to creative strategy and execution, beyond entry-level tasks.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer III will report to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or a senior communications lead within the Center for Communications Programs (CCP). They will work collaboratively with various internal stakeholders, including editors, writers, web developers, video professionals, and program directors.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is centered on enhancing the visibility, understanding, and effectiveness of public health programs and initiatives through compelling visual communication. This includes supporting global health campaigns, educational materials, research dissemination, and organizational branding, directly contributing to the mission of the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, advanced animation, web design, or branding strategy within the public health context.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of larger, more complex strategic communication projects, gaining experience in project management and stakeholder coordination.

• Mentorship: Possibility of mentoring junior designers or interns as the role progresses.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams across the School of Public Health, broadening understanding of different program needs and communication challenges.

• Professional Development: Access to university-provided training, workshops, and potential for attending industry conferences related to design, communications, and public health.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "ATP/04/PC" classification is specific to Johns Hopkins' internal job banding and typically represents a journey-level professional role. The growth opportunities are framed around career progression within a large academic institution and a specialized communications program, emphasizing skill development and project leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a remote position, allowing for work from a home office. However, the "Casual / On Call" classification may suggest occasional needs for in-person collaboration or site visits for specific projects, though this is not explicitly stated as a requirement for the remote role.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the primary work location is associated with Baltimore, Maryland, indicating that candidates may be expected to be based within a commutable distance for potential, albeit infrequent, in-person meetings or events, or to align with specific US-based operational requirements.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Autonomy: The role offers significant autonomy, requiring self-discipline and effective time management to work independently from a home office.

• Technology & Tools: Access to and proficiency with industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite on Mac) is essential. The use of project management tools like Smartsheet is also expected.

• Collaboration: While remote, strong communication and collaboration skills are vital for interacting with distributed teams, utilizing digital collaboration platforms, and participating in virtual meetings.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule is described as "Days and Hours may vary," and the employment group is "Casual / On Call," alongside "FULL_TIME." This suggests a need for flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, urgent requests, and potentially varying workload demands, typical for support roles within academic programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote" status is a key feature, but the "Casual / On Call" designation alongside "FULL_TIME" employment needs careful consideration. It suggests a role that is full-time in commitment but may have variable hours or on-demand responsibilities, which is common in support functions within academic institutions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume, portfolio, and alignment with minimum qualifications.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates will present their portfolio, showcasing a range of work and explaining their design process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or a case study related to public health communications to assess technical skills, creative thinking, and ability to meet specific briefs.

• Interviews: Behavioral and situational interviews to assess collaboration style, communication skills, adaptability, and fit with the CCP and JHU culture. Expect questions about managing multiple projects and working with diverse stakeholders.

• Final Selection: Discussions with hiring managers and potentially key team members to confirm suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate the required skills (branding, print, digital, motion graphics, concept art) and your ability to solve communication problems for a public health context.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain your role, the problem you were solving, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Visualizing rough concepts, iterations, and final designs is beneficial.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight how your design contributed to project goals (e.g., increased engagement, improved understanding, successful campaign launch).

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, showcase projects where you worked effectively in cross-functional teams, explaining your contribution and how you collaborated with writers, editors, or technical experts.

• Tailor to JHU/CCP: If possible, include or highlight projects that align with public health, non-profit, or academic communications to demonstrate relevance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Public Health Scenarios: Familiarize yourself with common public health communication themes and challenges. Be ready to brainstorm visual concepts for hypothetical campaigns (e.g., disease prevention, health education, community outreach).

• Brand Consistency: Practice applying brand guidelines to new materials and demonstrating how you maintain consistency across different media.

• Time Management: For any practical exercises, plan your approach, allocate time for each stage (ideation, design, refinement), and be prepared to present your work within a given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of a Graphic Designer III role, the portfolio is paramount. This section provides actionable advice on how to present it effectively, emphasizing strategic curation and process demonstration, which is critical for academic and non-profit environments where impact and mission alignment are key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Mac): Essential suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for comprehensive graphic design tasks.

• After Effects: For motion graphics and animation, enabling dynamic visual content creation.

• Adobe Premiere: For video editing, supporting the creation of promotional or informational videos.

• Smartsheet: Proficiency is preferred for project management, workflow tracking, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a designer, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms (website, social media) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) can inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but an awareness of how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or content management systems (CMS) could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Qualifications" section explicitly lists key software and tools. This section organizes them by function and clarifies their relevance to the Graphic Designer III role, emphasizing proficiency in the Adobe Suite and motion graphics tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Communication: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful visual communications that clearly convey public health messages and support program goals.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Valuing collective effort and open communication within cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives.

• Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging the exploration of new design approaches, technologies, and visual strategies to enhance engagement and reach.

• Mission-Driven Impact: A strong sense of purpose, where design work directly contributes to improving global health outcomes and advancing the mission of the School of Public Health.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in design practices and maintaining professional conduct in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expectation to work seamlessly with writers, editors, web developers, video producers, and program staff, integrating design into broader communication strategies.

• Feedback and Iteration: An environment that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design processes to refine concepts and ensure optimal outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share design expertise, best practices, and insights with colleagues across different disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers cultural values and collaboration styles based on the context of a reputable public health institution and a specialized communications program. The emphasis is on mission alignment, collaborative problem-solving, and high-quality output.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Programmatic Needs: Effectively translating complex public health messages and programmatic constraints into compelling and accurate visual designs.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds and levels of understanding regarding design, ensuring all voices are heard while maintaining creative integrity.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design software, digital platforms, and communication trends to ensure materials remain modern and effective.

• Working Remotely: Maintaining strong communication, collaboration, and productivity while working independently from a home office environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in After Effects, Premiere Pro, or explore new design tools relevant to digital and interactive media.

• Public Health Communication Workshops: Access to training on public health messaging, audience segmentation, and health literacy principles to better inform design strategies.

• Web Design & UX/UI Fundamentals: Potential to develop skills in web design, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI) design, crucial for digital communication.

• Project Management Skills: Opportunities to enhance skills in managing design projects, timelines, and stakeholder communications, particularly within the Smartsheet platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed within the specific context of public health communications and a remote work environment. Growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement directly relevant to the role and the broader field of health communications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex scientific or programmatic information into an easily understandable visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, clarity, and impact).

• "How do you approach balancing creative freedom with strict brand guidelines and project objectives, especially in a mission-driven environment like public health?" (Emphasize adherence to standards while maintaining creativity).

• "Walk us through a project where you collaborated with writers, editors, or technical experts. How did you manage feedback and ensure a cohesive final product?" (Highlight collaboration, communication, and problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Johns Hopkins University and specifically the Center for Communications Programs?" (Research JHU's mission and CCP's work; connect your passion to their goals).

• "How do you stay current with design trends and emerging technologies, and how do you decide when to incorporate them into your work?" (Showcase continuous learning and strategic application).

• "Describe your experience working in a remote or hybrid team environment. What strategies do you use to stay connected and productive?" (Demonstrate self-management and communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each selected project, present it as a narrative: the challenge, your role and process, your creative solutions, and the results or impact.

• Highlight Process: Show rough sketches, wireframes, or early concepts to illustrate your thought process and iterative approach.

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency across print, digital, branding, and motion graphics as required by the job description.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use data or testimonials to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss specific software techniques, font choices, color theory applications, and why you made certain design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess the core competencies of a Graphic Designer III in a public health communications context, emphasizing strategic thinking, collaboration, and portfolio demonstration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Johns Hopkins University hiring portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 4+ years of experience, specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects, Premiere, Smartsheet), and any experience relevant to public health, non-profit, or academic communications. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in graphic design, branding, digital media, and motion graphics. Be prepared to discuss your process and impact for each. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a personal website or a well-organized PDF).

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Johns Hopkins University and the Center for Communications Programs. Practice answering behavioral questions and preparing to present your portfolio, focusing on how your skills align with the role's responsibilities and the organization's mission.

• Understand the Remote/Casual Nature: Be ready to discuss your experience with remote work, your ability to manage your time effectively, and your flexibility to adapt to potentially variable hours or on-call needs.

⚠️ 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.