Graphic Designer #DS9784

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer #DS9784

Company: Oklahoma State University

Location: Okmulgee, Oklahoma, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce high-quality print and digital assets that visually communicate the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) brand.

• Support the university's strategic marketing and communications plan to enhance recruitment, retention, and reputation management.

• Develop creative solutions for institutional marketing efforts, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

• Collaborate with internal teams and campus partners to deliver impactful design solutions that align with university objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for maintaining and advancing the OSUIT brand identity through compelling visual communication. The focus is on supporting broader university goals like recruitment and reputation management, indicating a need for a designer who understands strategic marketing objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create visually compelling graphics, illustrations, and layouts for a variety of media, including print collateral, digital advertisements, web assets, social media content, and presentations.

• Translate marketing and communication objectives into effective design strategies and concepts.

• Maintain brand consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across all design projects.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality output within project deadlines.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, communications, and other university departments to understand project requirements and deliver solutions that meet their needs.

• Stay current with design trends, software updates, and best practices in graphic design and visual communications.

• Prepare files for print production and digital deployment, ensuring proper specifications and quality control.

• Contribute to the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns through creative design contributions.

• Archive and organize design assets for future use and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic support, requiring the designer to not only produce assets but also understand their role in larger marketing initiatives. The emphasis on multiple projects and deadlines suggests a need for strong organizational and time management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in Graphic Design or a related discipline from an accredited college or university. A Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field is preferred. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered if relevant.

Experience: A minimum of four years of related experience is required if holding an Associate degree, or three years of related experience if holding a Bachelor's degree.

Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of graphic design principles, illustration techniques, and page layout.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically:

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Lightroom
  • Adobe Acrobat

• Experience working in a Mac OSX operating system environment.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and campus partners.

• Strong attention to detail with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Proven creativity, integrity, and commitment to advancing the OSUIT brand.

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

• Strong presentation skills to convey design ideas and decisions to stakeholders.

• Ability to engage in constructive feedback discussions, professionally incorporating feedback while balancing business objectives and user needs.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the capacity to recognize and resolve conflict collaboratively. Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

• Experience in higher education marketing or communications.

• Knowledge of web design principles and UI/UX considerations.

• Familiarity with video editing or motion graphics software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "advanced" knowledge and competency in Adobe Creative Cloud, coupled with experience in Mac OSX, sets a high bar for technical skill. The emphasis on communication and interpersonal skills indicates that this role involves significant stakeholder interaction and requires a designer who can advocate for their work and collaborate effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in both print and digital media.

• Include examples of brand development or brand guideline adherence to illustrate understanding of visual identity systems.

• Present case studies highlighting how design solutions addressed specific communication challenges or marketing objectives for previous clients or projects.

• Demonstrate advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud applications through the complexity and execution of portfolio pieces.

• Include examples of layout design, illustration, and typography that showcase technical skill and aesthetic judgment. Process Documentation:

• Articulate the design process followed for key projects, including concept development, client collaboration, revisions, and final output.

• Explain the rationale behind design choices, detailing how they align with project goals and audience needs.

• Illustrate methods used for managing project timelines and incorporating feedback effectively.

• Showcase an understanding of pre-press requirements for print projects and optimization techniques for digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. The emphasis should be on demonstrating not just creative output but also a structured design process, understanding of brand strategy, and effective problem-solving through design. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their approach to client briefs and feedback.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000 USD per year.

This range is based on the provided hiring range and reflects the experience level and responsibilities associated with the Graphic Designer position at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology.

Benefits:

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

• Retirement Plan: Participation in a state retirement system (e.g., Oklahoma Teachers' Retirement System), often with employer contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

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

• Tuition Assistance: Potential for tuition waivers or discounts for employees and/or dependents at OSU institutions.

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance coverage.

• Other Perks: Access to university facilities and resources.

Working Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm (40 hours per week). Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet project deadlines or support university events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Graphic Designer role in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, considering the specified experience level. University benefits packages are typically robust, offering strong support for employees' well-being and long-term financial security. The occasional need for evening/weekend work is standard in creative roles supporting events or critical campaigns.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Public University System)

The higher education sector emphasizes academic excellence, research, and community service. For a Graphic Designer, this means contributing to an environment focused on education, student success, and institutional advancement. The role supports the university's mission by enhancing its public image and communicating its value proposition to prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community.

Company Size: Large (Oklahoma State University system is a significant employer with multiple campuses and a large student body). OSU Institute of Technology is a distinct campus within the larger OSU system.

A large university setting offers stability and a wide range of projects. It also means navigating established processes and collaborating with diverse departments and stakeholders across a large organization. This scale can provide opportunities for varied experience and professional networking.

Founded: OSU Institute of Technology was founded in 1946.

With a long history, OSUIT likely has a strong sense of tradition and established brand identity. The Marketing and Communications team will be experienced in supporting a long-standing institution, balancing heritage with modern communication needs.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the OSUIT Marketing and Communications team.

• This team likely includes specialists in areas such as content creation, digital marketing, public relations, and possibly web development.

• The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing and Communications Director or Manager.

• Collaboration will extend beyond the immediate team to various academic departments, administrative offices, and student services across the OSUIT campus. Methodology:

• Data-Informed Design: While creative, design decisions should be informed by university goals, target audience insights, and performance metrics where available.

• Brand-Centric Approach: All design work must align with and reinforce the established OSUIT brand identity and messaging guidelines.

• Collaborative Workflow: Projects will involve input and review from multiple stakeholders, requiring effective communication and consensus-building.

• Project Management: A structured approach to managing design requests, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring timely delivery of assets.

Company Website: https://www.okstate.edu/oit/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of higher education marketing is crucial. The Graphic Designer must be adept at creating materials that appeal to students, parents, faculty, and prospective employees, while also adhering to institutional branding and communication protocols. The "Marketing and Communications" team structure implies a strategic focus, not just execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer

This role is positioned for individuals with a solid foundation in graphic design principles and software proficiency, typically requiring 2-5 years of professional experience. It involves executing design projects independently while also collaborating within a team structure. The responsibilities suggest a level of autonomy in project execution but likely within established strategic frameworks.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or director within the OSUIT Marketing and Communications department. This structure allows for guidance, project assignment, and performance feedback, while also providing opportunities for direct contribution to departmental goals.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the university's external perception, student recruitment efforts, and overall brand awareness. High-quality, consistent visuals enhance the credibility and appeal of OSUIT, influencing enrollment numbers, donor engagement, and public perception. Effective design supports recruitment campaigns, event promotion, and internal communications, all vital functions for institutional success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as branding, digital design, illustration, or motion graphics through project work and professional development.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and experience, potential to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, lead design projects, or mentor junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of marketing and communications strategy by working across different university departments and campaigns.

• Portfolio Development: Continually build a strong portfolio with diverse projects, enhancing marketability for future roles within or outside of higher education.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Graphic Designer in a university setting often involves deepening creative expertise, gaining strategic marketing insight, and potentially moving into project leadership or specialized roles. The impact of design on recruitment and brand perception is a key element for career progression discussions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University Campus Environment

The role is based on the OSU Institute of Technology campus in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. This means working within a structured academic setting, likely in a dedicated marketing and communications office.

Office Location(s): Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

The primary work location is on the OSUIT campus. Specific building details would be provided upon hire, but it's typically within an administrative or communications hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The Marketing and Communications office is expected to be a collaborative environment where designers work alongside writers, marketers, and other communication professionals.

• Technology Access: Access to up-to-date hardware (likely Mac-based), software, and necessary peripherals for design work. This includes high-resolution monitors, printers, and potentially scanners.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with team members for project briefings, brainstorming sessions, feedback, and general team collaboration. Opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and students from various departments for project needs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. While this provides a consistent routine, the occasional need for evening and weekend work signifies a dynamic environment where flexibility is sometimes required to meet critical deadlines, such as event promotion or campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment in a university setting implies a professional, structured atmosphere. Collaboration is key, and the designer will be integrated into a team that supports broader institutional goals. Flexibility in working hours is a common expectation in marketing and communications roles, especially during peak periods.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes, cover letters, and references to assess qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Submission & Review: Candidates will be required to submit a portfolio showcasing their design work. This will be a critical component, evaluated for creativity, technical skill, brand understanding, and project execution.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team): Typically a video or in-person interview with the hiring manager (Jeramy Pappas) and potentially other members of the Marketing and Communications team. Focus will be on assessing design philosophy, technical proficiency, communication skills, and fit within the team.

• Design Challenge/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a selection of their portfolio pieces, explaining their process, rationale, and how they would approach specific OSUIT marketing challenges.

• Second Interview (Department Head/Higher Management): Potentially an interview with a more senior leader within the university to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

• Reference Checks: Thorough verification of professional references provided.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 5-7 of your strongest and most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates your skills in brand identity, digital design, and print collateral, ideally with a higher education or similar institutional context if possible.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the final outcome. Include mockups showing the design in its intended application.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud tools.

• Brand Alignment: If you have experience with brand guidelines or developing brand assets, make this clear.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. A dedicated website or a well-designed PDF is recommended.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand OSUIT: Research the OSUIT brand, its mission, target audience, and current marketing efforts. Familiarize yourself with their website and social media presence.

• Design Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a design brief for a specific OSUIT initiative (e.g., a recruitment campaign, an event poster, or a departmental brochure).

• Communication: Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely, explaining the strategic thinking behind your creative decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a thorough evaluation of design skills through a portfolio review and potential design challenge. Candidates must demonstrate not only creative talent but also a strategic understanding of marketing within a higher education context and strong communication abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Acrobat for all design and production tasks.

• Mac OSX Environment: Proficiency in the Mac operating system is a requirement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for digital ads, engagement on social media graphics) is beneficial. Basic familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) could be advantageous for understanding digital design performance. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this design role, but familiarity with how marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) use visual assets is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite within a Mac environment. While direct involvement with analytics or CRM is not stated, an awareness of how design choices influence user engagement and campaign performance is a valuable asset for a strategic designer.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Education: A commitment to supporting the university's mission of providing quality education and student success through effective communication.

• Brand Stewardship: A dedication to upholding and enhancing the OSUIT brand identity with integrity and consistency across all visual materials.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and cooperative environment where team members work together to achieve common goals.

• Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and creative approaches to visual communication challenges.

• Service-Oriented: A focus on serving the needs of internal clients (departments, faculty, staff) and external audiences (students, prospective students, community).

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team works closely with various university departments, requiring strong collaboration and clear communication to understand diverse needs and deliver tailored design solutions.

• Feedback Loop: An open environment for giving and receiving constructive feedback on design work to ensure quality and alignment with project objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design trends, techniques, and best practices within the team to foster continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes professionalism, a commitment to the university's mission, and collaborative problem-solving. The expectation is for a designer who is not only talented but also a team player who understands the broader context of higher education marketing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with unique objectives and stakeholder expectations.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all design outputs adhere strictly to brand guidelines while still allowing for creative expression.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design software, digital platforms, and communication trends.

• Managing Project Scope and Deadlines: Efficiently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a dynamic environment with potential for last-minute requests.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Workshops and Training: Participation in university-offered or external training sessions focused on new design software, advanced techniques, or marketing strategies.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend design or higher education marketing conferences to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing and communications professionals within the department.

• Project Variety: Gaining exposure to a wide array of design projects, from digital campaigns to print publications, that can broaden skill sets and portfolio breadth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing competing priorities and maintaining high standards in a complex organizational environment. Growth is tied to expanding design expertise and understanding the strategic application of design within higher education marketing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from concept to final delivery." (Focus on structured workflow, client interaction, and revision management).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design projects and media?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and systematic application).

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you're particularly proud of. What was the objective, your role, the challenges, and the outcome?" (Prepare a concise case study emphasizing problem-solving and results). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology specifically?" (Research OSUIT's mission, programs, and recent news).

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating constructive criticism on your design work?" (Demonstrate adaptability and a client-focused mindset).

• "How would your design work contribute to OSUIT's recruitment goals?" (Connect your creative skills to institutional objectives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, craft a narrative that explains the "why" behind your design choices, not just the "what."

• Metrics Focus: If possible, reference any measurable results or positive feedback received for your work (e.g., increased engagement, positive client response).

• OSUIT Alignment: Frame your presentation to show how your skills and approach align with the needs and culture of OSUIT. Be prepared to discuss how you would tackle a hypothetical OSUIT design challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their design process, strategic thinking, and ability to collaborate. The interview will assess not only technical skill but also how well the candidate can integrate into the university's mission and marketing objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the careers pageuppeople.com portal.

• Resume & Cover Letter: Tailor your resume to highlight graphic design experience, software proficiency (especially Adobe Creative Cloud), and any relevant higher education or marketing communications experience. Craft a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for OSUIT and articulates how your skills align with the role's responsibilities.

• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your strongest and most relevant design work. Ensure it demonstrates a range of skills in print and digital media and includes case studies explaining your process and the outcomes.

• Professional References: Gather contact information for three professional references who can speak to your design capabilities, work ethic, and collaborative skills.

• Research OSUIT: Familiarize yourself with the OSU Institute of Technology's mission, academic programs, target audience, and current marketing communications efforts. This understanding will be crucial for tailoring your application and preparing for interviews.

⚠️ 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.