Graphic Designer (Part-Time)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Part-Time)

Company: Tennessee Board of Regents (Southwest Tennessee Community College)

Location: Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Design

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 1-3 years (Associate's Degree) or 3-5 years (Bachelor's Degree)

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute dynamic creative designs for print, digital, and various media assets to enhance the college's brand reach and communication efforts.

• Collaborate with the Lead Graphic Designer and Marketing & Communications team to conceptualize and produce compelling visual content aligned with the college's mission and vision.

• Manage the revision of existing collateral marketing materials and contribute to the creation of new visual assets from concept through final design.

• Ensure all designs adhere to Southwest Tennessee Community College's branding and marketing standards, maintaining a cohesive and compelling institutional narrative.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a part-time, temporary Graphic Designer within an educational institution. The focus is on supporting the Marketing & Communications department by producing a wide range of visual materials for both print and digital platforms. The role requires strong technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and an understanding of design principles for effective communication within an academic environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create visually engaging designs for a variety of college collateral, including but not limited to: charts, infographics, brochures, flyers, posters, business cards, campus signage, magazine layouts, and digital templates (e.g., PowerPoint, online stationery).

• Develop creative elements for social media, such as graphics, headers, and infographics, to enhance online engagement.

• Convert existing print collateral designs into effective digital assets for web and social media platforms.

• Collaborate with internal and external printers and other production vendors throughout the design and production lifecycle to ensure high-quality output.

• Fabricate signage and other print jobs as assigned, demonstrating hands-on production capabilities.

• Support strategic marketing and communications initiatives by contributing creative concepts and visual solutions.

• Maintain and update digital assets, ensuring they are current and aligned with college branding guidelines.

• Assist in the development of basic .gif animations for online ad banners and websites.

• Translate print design components into web-ready formats, optimizing for online viewing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role with a broad scope of design tasks. Emphasis is placed on producing materials for both traditional print and modern digital channels, including social media and web. The need to work with vendors and fabricate print jobs suggests a practical, production-oriented aspect to the role beyond pure conceptual design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's degree in Graphic Design or a related field is required.

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise with Mac hardware and all current versions of Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Lightroom.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and PowerPoint.

• Solid understanding of graphic design techniques within the printing industry.

• Strong grasp of core layout and design elements, including typography, contrast, alignment, perspective, and proximity.

• Well-versed in photo editing and illustration production techniques.

• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to multitask, work independently with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Color correction abilities for print design.

• Pre-press knowledge and file preparation expertise.

• Experience with designing and creating basic .gif animations.

• Familiarity with emerging design and animation software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in industry-standard design software and hardware. The experience level is moderate, suggesting a need for practical application and some independent work. The blend of print and digital skills, along with communication abilities, is crucial for success in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency across print and digital mediums.

• Examples of revised and created collateral marketing materials (e.g., brochures, flyers, posters, business forms).

• Demonstrations of design versatility, including charts, infographics, social media graphics, and digital templates.

• Evidence of understanding and application of typography, layout, and design principles in practical applications.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process from concept to final delivery, including project management and client collaboration.

• Ability to articulate how designs are aligned with strategic marketing objectives and institutional branding standards.

• Willingness to document and share workflow efficiencies and best practices developed during their design career.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants will be expected to present a portfolio that directly reflects the responsibilities of the role, showcasing a breadth of design capabilities. The ability to articulate their design process and how they ensure brand consistency will be critical during the review phase.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Access to the Southwest Tennessee Community College employee benefits summary, which typically includes:
  • Retirement plan options.
  • Health insurance options (may be limited for part-time/temporary roles, verify eligibility).
  • Paid time off (accrual rates may vary for temporary positions).
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Access to college resources and facilities.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, with an expected workload of approximately 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules may be flexible and negotiated with the Lead Graphic Designer, but the role is not remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on industry benchmarks for part-time graphic design roles in a public institution in Memphis, TN. Specific benefits eligibility for temporary positions should be confirmed directly with the hiring institution. The mention of "fiscal-year appointment" implies a contract that may align with the academic or fiscal calendar.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Community College System)

Company Size: Southwest Tennessee Community College is part of the larger Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system, which oversees 40 institutions. Southwest itself is a comprehensive community college serving a significant student population in Shelby County. The Marketing & Communications department likely comprises a focused team within this larger structure.

Founded: Southwest Tennessee Community College was formed in 2001 through the consolidation of Shelby State Community College and State Technical Institute at Memphis. The Tennessee Board of Regents was established in 1967.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Lead Graphic Designer within the Marketing & Communications department.

• This department likely collaborates closely with various college divisions, including academic departments, student services, admissions, and administration.

Methodology:

• Designs will be developed with a focus on informing, inspiring, and promoting the college's programs and achievements.

• Emphasis on data-driven insights to inform design choices and measure impact where possible.

• Workflow optimization to efficiently produce high-quality materials that align with institutional goals.

• Adherence to established branding and style guidelines to ensure consistency and strengthen the college's identity.

Company Website: https://www.southwest.tn.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a community college within a state board system means operating within established policies and procedures, but also having the opportunity to directly impact local student success and community engagement. The culture likely values education, accessibility, and service.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level to early-career position within the creative field. It offers practical experience in a professional marketing and communications setting, specifically within the higher education sector.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Lead Graphic Designer, providing a clear line of supervision and mentorship. This structure allows for guidance on design projects and adherence to institutional standards.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue operations role, the Graphic Designer's work is crucial for the college's outreach, recruitment, and brand perception. High-quality marketing collateral directly supports enrollment numbers, program awareness, and institutional reputation, indirectly contributing to the college's operational success and funding.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite, expand knowledge in print production, and learn about digital design best practices.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in the higher education marketing landscape and understand the unique communication needs of academic institutions.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with diverse projects produced for a recognized educational institution.

• Networking: Collaborate with marketing professionals, faculty, and staff, potentially opening doors to future opportunities within higher education or related fields.

• Potential for Further Roles: Successful performance could lead to consideration for other roles within the TBR system or similar institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This part-time, temporary role is an excellent stepping stone for a graphic designer looking to build their resume and gain experience in a structured environment. Growth is primarily focused on skill acquisition and portfolio building rather than a defined linear career path within this specific temporary appointment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position at Southwest Tennessee Community College, likely within the Marketing & Communications department. The environment will be professional and collaborative, typical of a college administrative setting.

Office Location(s): The job description mentions "SWTCC - Multiple Campus Locations," indicating that the work may occur across various campuses within the Memphis area. Specific daily location assignments would need clarification.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely include access to a Mac workstation equipped with the necessary Adobe Creative Cloud software.

• Opportunities for collaboration with the Lead Graphic Designer and other marketing staff will be frequent, fostering a team-oriented approach.

• The environment supports the creation of visual assets for diverse college initiatives, encouraging creativity within established brand guidelines.

• Access to printers and potentially other fabrication equipment for signage and print jobs may be available.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time role, with approximately 40 hours per week. While the specific daily schedule may offer some flexibility, it is an on-site position requiring consistent presence during working hours, Monday through Friday, within standard business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of multiple campus locations suggests potential for work to be distributed or require travel between sites. Applicants should inquire about the primary work location and any travel expectations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts through the provided application portal.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates selected for further consideration will be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant design work. This is a critical step.

• Initial Interview: A screening interview, likely with HR and/or the Lead Graphic Designer, to assess qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Skills/Design Challenge: A practical assessment may be given, involving a design task or case study related to college marketing needs.

• Final Interview: An interview with key stakeholders, potentially including the Director of Marketing & Communications, to discuss project approach, problem-solving skills, and alignment with college objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to higher education marketing and communications (e.g., brochures, event materials, social media graphics, infographics).

• Clearly articulate your role in each project, the objectives, your creative process, and the outcome or impact.

• Showcase your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud tools and your understanding of design principles.

• Include examples that demonstrate how you've adhered to or developed brand guidelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss strategies for creating engaging designs for a diverse student body and academic community.

• Think about how to translate complex information into clear, visually appealing graphics.

• Understand the importance of branding and consistency in higher education marketing.

• Practice articulating your design choices and problem-solving approaches concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application requires specific documents, and a strong portfolio is paramount. Candidates should anticipate a multi-stage interview process that includes practical assessment of design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom are explicitly required.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint are essential for document creation and presentations.

• Mac Hardware: Proficiency with Apple computers is a prerequisite.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this design role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or email campaigns could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is a mastery of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite on a Mac platform. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is also critical for broader document creation and internal communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Success: A core value in higher education, driving the need for clear, effective communication that supports student enrollment and retention.

• Excellence and Service: Commitment to producing high-quality work and responding effectively to the needs of internal stakeholders and the college community.

• Collaboration: Working effectively as part of a team to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Staying current with design trends and tools to continuously improve creative output.

• Integrity and Accountability: Adhering to institutional policies and delivering on commitments.

Collaboration Style:

• The role involves close collaboration with the Lead Graphic Designer, other marketing staff, and various college departments.

• Expect a team-oriented environment where feedback is exchanged to refine designs and ensure alignment with college objectives.

• Effective communication and a willingness to work with diverse groups are essential for successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely supportive and mission-driven, focused on serving the academic community. Designers are expected to be team players who can contribute creatively while respecting institutional guidelines and priorities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing a diverse workload with varying deadlines and stakeholder needs.

• Adhering to Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying established branding while still producing creative and engaging designs.

• Translating Needs into Visuals: Effectively interpreting requests from various departments into compelling visual communications.

• Staying Current: Keeping up with rapidly evolving design trends and software updates in a dynamic digital landscape.

• Working with Limited Resources: Potentially operating within budget constraints common in public institutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Skills: Deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

• Print Production Knowledge: Gain practical insights into the print production process and vendor management.

• Higher Education Marketing: Understand the unique communication strategies and target audiences within the education sector.

• Animation & Digital Media: Develop skills in creating animated graphics and other digital assets.

• Professional Networking: Build connections within the TBR system and the broader Memphis professional community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to overcome common design challenges and develop valuable skills that are transferable across various industries, particularly within creative and educational sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial concept to final delivery, especially when working with multiple stakeholders." (Focus on workflow, communication, and feedback integration.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with an institution's brand identity while still being creative and engaging?" (Highlight understanding of branding and creative problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Southwest Tennessee Community College and the TBR system specifically?" (Research the college's mission, recent news, and community impact.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a marketing and communications team?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and support for colleagues.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be prepared to present 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects.

• For each project, clearly explain the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Highlight projects that demonstrate your skills in both print and digital design, as well as your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Be ready to discuss how your designs address specific communication challenges or marketing goals.

• Practice your presentation to ensure it is concise, engaging, and within any time limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their design philosophy, technical skills, and ability to work within an institutional framework. A strong understanding of the college's mission and audience will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the careers page.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your relevant design experience, technical skills (Adobe Creative Cloud, Mac), and any experience in education or similar professional environments. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Cover Letter Customization: Tailor your cover letter to Southwest Tennessee Community College, expressing your enthusiasm for the institution's mission and how your skills directly address the requirements of the Graphic Designer role.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a professional portfolio that showcases diverse design projects relevant to the responsibilities outlined, including print collateral, digital graphics, and infographics. Ensure it is easily accessible.

• Transcript Upload: Have unofficial transcripts ready for upload as part of the application package.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Southwest Tennessee Community College's programs, mission, and recent marketing efforts to better articulate your interest and understanding during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions relevant to a Graphic Designer role in higher education. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization, Southwest Tennessee Community College, before making application decisions. Focus on tailoring your application materials to demonstrate suitability for an educational institution's marketing needs.