Graphic Designer (PSS3), Marketing & Communication

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (PSS3)

Company: Rowan University

Location: Glassboro, New Jersey

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communication Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the Marketing & Communication division, supporting the execution of integrated marketing campaigns and institutional initiatives through compelling visual content.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a wide range of visual assets across multiple media, ensuring consistent application of Rowan University's brand identity.

• This position offers hands-on experience in higher education marketing, encompassing recruitment, social media, event promotion, and academic program materials.

• Success hinges on a strong foundation in design principles, a collaborative spirit, and adaptability within a dynamic, high-volume creative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the context of supporting "integrated marketing campaigns," "institutional initiatives," and working within a "Marketing & Communication" division suggests a role that intersects with operational aspects of marketing execution. The emphasis on "high-performing, high-volume design team" and "preparing production-ready files" indicates a need for efficient workflow management and process adherence, common in operations roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design compelling visual assets for diverse channels, including print collateral (posters, flyers, brochures, signage), digital platforms (web, social media, email), and other creative media.

• Consistently maintain and apply Rowan University's established brand standards across all design projects to ensure brand integrity and recognition.

• Collaborate effectively with writers, marketers, project managers, and campus partners to conceptualize and execute creative campaigns and initiatives.

• Prepare and manage production-ready files, coordinating with external vendors or internal teams for efficient printing and publishing processes.

• Support photo selection, basic image editing tasks, and contribute to the organization and management of creative assets within a digital asset management system.

• Juggle multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring adherence to deadlines while upholding a high standard of quality and creative output.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, contributing innovative design ideas and solutions to enhance marketing efforts.

• Execute assigned tasks and projects as directed by the Art Director and management team to support departmental goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational project management. "Prepare production-ready files and coordinate with vendors" and "Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines" are key operational components that require process discipline and efficient workflow management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of professional graphic design experience, which can include internships, freelance work, or comparable design roles, demonstrating practical application of design skills.

Required Skills:

• Strong foundational understanding of graphic design principles, including typography, layout, color theory, and composition.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Working knowledge of digital design best practices, encompassing social media graphics, web design principles, and responsive design considerations.

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design outputs and file preparation.

• Strong organizational skills to effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment and with cross-functional partners. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience working within established brand guidelines, particularly for institutional or corporate clients.

• Familiarity with or experience utilizing Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems for organizing and retrieving creative assets.

• Experience with project management platforms such as Wrike, ClickUp, Asana, or Monday.com to track project progress and workflows.

• Understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., ADA compliance) for digital design to ensure inclusivity.

• Basic familiarity with motion graphics tools like Adobe After Effects or experience with basic animation principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Skills" section, particularly mentioning project management platforms and Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, points towards an operational expectation for organized workflow and efficient asset handling, crucial for a "high-volume design team."

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design work, with a strong emphasis on typography, layout, color theory, and composition.

• Demonstrations of ability to adapt design styles to meet specific project objectives and target audiences, reflecting versatility.

• Examples of work produced for both print and digital mediums, highlighting proficiency across different channels.

• Evidence of understanding and applying brand guidelines, with clear examples of how established brand identities were maintained or evolved.

• Case studies or descriptions of projects that detail the design process from concept to final execution, including problem-solving approaches. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process, from initial brief and concept development through to final production and delivery.

• Understanding of workflow management for creative projects, including asset organization and version control.

• Familiarity with preparing files for various output methods (print, web, social media) and understanding vendor specifications or digital platform requirements.

• Experience in managing project timelines and communicating progress or potential roadblocks to project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio demonstrating "understanding and applying brand guidelines" and "articulating the design process" is critical. For an operations-focused enhancement, this implies a need for candidates to showcase not just creative output but also their ability to follow established processes and manage project workflows efficiently.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $66,067 to $75,985. Placement within this range will be determined by factors such as candidate qualifications, professional experience, internal equity, and other relevant considerations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Dental insurance plan.

• Robust retirement benefits through the NJ State system.

• Generous paid holidays and accrued time off.

• Tuition reimbursement opportunities for employees, their spouses, and dependents to attend Rowan University (undergraduate degrees only for spouse and dependents).

• Access to detailed benefits information at: https://sites.rowan.edu/hr/benefits/

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this position are 40 hours per week, operating on an on-site model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided by the employer, based on New Jersey's Pay Transparency Act for the AFT: Range 21 classification. The benefits are standard for public university employees in New Jersey, with a notable tuition reimbursement program for eligible family members.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Public Research University)

Company Size: Rowan University is a large public research institution, employing thousands of faculty and staff, indicating a complex organizational structure with numerous departments and initiatives.

Founded: Rowan University was founded in 1923, signifying a long-standing history and established presence in higher education.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing & Communication division, working within a "high-performing, high-volume design team."

• This team operates under the guidance of an Art Director, suggesting a hierarchical structure for creative oversight and project assignment.

• Collaboration is expected with writers, marketers, project managers, and various campus partners, highlighting a cross-functional operational model within the university. Methodology:

• The team focuses on visually communicating Rowan University's brand, mission, and strategic priorities through compelling and on-brand visual content.

• Design projects support integrated marketing campaigns, recruitment efforts, academic programs, and institutional storytelling, requiring a strategic approach to visual communication.

• Emphasis is placed on translating complex ideas into clear, engaging, and effective visual solutions, underscoring a process of conceptualization and refinement.

• The environment is described as dynamic, encouraging a willingness to learn and adapt, suggesting a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the design operations.

Company Website: https://www.rowan.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large public university implies a structured, process-oriented environment. For a Graphic Designer, this means adhering to established university-wide brand guidelines and departmental operational procedures for project intake, approval, and delivery. The "fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast" descriptor suggests a dynamic and evolving operational landscape.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Emerging design professional" (PSS3 classification) with 2+ years of experience. It's a foundational role within the creative services operations, focusing on executing design tasks under supervision while developing broader skills.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Art Director within the Marketing & Communication division. This direct reporting line facilitates clear guidance, feedback, and workflow management.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Rowan University's ability to visually communicate its brand, mission, and strategic priorities. This includes influencing perceptions among prospective students, current students, faculty, staff, and alumni through compelling marketing materials and institutional storytelling. Effective design operations are crucial for successful recruitment campaigns and overall institutional branding.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to expand expertise in typography, layout, branding, and digital design through hands-on project work and under the guidance of experienced professionals.

• Specialization: Potential to develop specialized skills in areas like social media content creation, digital asset management, or even introductory motion graphics, based on project needs and personal interest.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various university departments, understanding their unique communication needs and contributing to diverse marketing initiatives.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to higher PSS (Professional Staff Series) levels or specialized design roles within the university or in external organizations, leveraging the experience gained in a high-volume, mission-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "PSS3" classification suggests a specific career progression path within Rowan University's staff structure. The role is designed for growth, moving from execution-focused tasks to more strategic involvement as experience and skills develop within the university's operational framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, implying a traditional office setting within Rowan University's campus facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Glassboro, New Jersey.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will be part of a "high-performing, high-volume design team," suggesting a collaborative studio-like environment within the Marketing & Communication division.

• Access to industry-standard design software and potentially other creative tools will be available as part of the university's technology infrastructure.

• Opportunities for direct interaction and collaboration with fellow designers, writers, marketers, project managers, and campus stakeholders will be frequent, fostering a dynamic team atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours of 40 hours per week. While the description doesn't explicitly mention flexibility, a university setting often provides a structured schedule, though occasional project-driven demands might require adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a university setting typically means working within a structured departmental office. The emphasis on a "high-volume design team" suggests an environment where efficiency and collaborative workflow are paramount, requiring designers to be present and engaged with their colleagues and the broader university community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio (URL or PDF) showcasing relevant design work.

• Initial Screening: Applications and portfolios will be reviewed for required qualifications, design skills, and alignment with brand standards.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and rationale behind specific project choices. This is a key step to assess design thinking and operational execution.

• Interviews: Interviews will likely include discussions with the Art Director and potentially other members of the Marketing & Communication team to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and fit with the university's culture and operational pace.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A practical design exercise or case study might be assigned to evaluate on-the-spot design capabilities, problem-solving under pressure, and adherence to brand guidelines, simulating real-world project demands.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong typography, layout, color theory, and composition.

• Include examples of work produced for both print and digital media, showcasing versatility.

• For each project, briefly describe the challenge, your role, your design process, and the outcome or impact. If possible, quantify results.

• Ensure your portfolio clearly shows how you've worked within or applied brand guidelines.

• Provide a mix of personal projects, academic work (if strong), and professional experience to showcase a broad skill set.

• Make sure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a clean, professional website or a well-organized PDF). Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly. Ask clarifying questions.

• Prioritize foundational design principles and brand consistency in your solution.

• Be mindful of time constraints; aim for a well-thought-out, albeit potentially incomplete, solution rather than a rushed, perfect one.

• Prepare to articulate your design decisions and thought process clearly and concisely, linking them back to the project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application requirements explicitly state a portfolio is needed. For a role with operational undertones, the portfolio review will likely assess not just creativity but also the candidate's ability to follow briefs, manage projects, and produce work that aligns with institutional standards – key aspects of operational effectiveness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Essential proficiency required in:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout and print production of brochures, flyers, reports, etc.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Preferred familiarity with systems used for organizing, storing, and retrieving creative assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media shares, website clicks) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics principles may be helpful. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design role, but understanding how marketing campaigns (supported by design) are managed may involve awareness of CRM or marketing automation platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are clearly defined as Adobe Creative Cloud. The mention of DAM systems and project management platforms in the preferred skills section indicates an operational expectation for efficient use and management of creative assets and workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to upholding and consistently applying Rowan University's brand identity across all visual communications.

• Collaboration: A willingness to work closely with diverse teams, including writers, marketers, and project managers, to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Understanding the importance of meeting deadlines and managing workload effectively in a high-volume environment.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging the contribution of fresh ideas and innovative design solutions to enhance marketing efforts.

• Accuracy & Detail: A meticulous approach to design execution and file preparation, ensuring high quality and error-free output.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various departments and individuals across the university, bridging creative needs with institutional objectives.

• Feedback Exchange: An open approach to receiving and providing constructive feedback during the design process to refine creative output and ensure alignment.

• Team-Oriented: Working effectively within the design team and contributing to a positive, productive, and supportive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values described emphasize a balance between creative excellence and operational discipline. The "fastest-growing" descriptor for the university suggests a culture that values progress, adaptability, and efficient execution of tasks to support growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume & Fast Pace: Managing a continuous stream of design requests from various university departments while maintaining quality and meeting tight deadlines.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring all design output adheres strictly to Rowan University's brand guidelines, which can be complex and span diverse applications.

• Translating Complex Ideas: Effectively visualizing abstract concepts or complex institutional information into clear, engaging, and accessible designs.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Staying current with design trends, digital platform requirements, and university initiatives that may require evolving design approaches.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific software (e.g., advanced Photoshop techniques, Illustrator mastery) or design disciplines (e.g., UI/UX principles, motion graphics).

• Brand Management: Gaining in-depth knowledge of institutional branding and its strategic application in marketing and communication.

• Project Management Exposure: Developing skills in workflow management, vendor coordination, and project prioritization through hands-on experience.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of current design trends in higher education marketing and digital communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges align with operational demands of a busy creative department. Growth opportunities are framed around enhancing design skills and gaining operational experience within the university's structured environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from initial concept to final production-ready file. How do you ensure brand consistency throughout?" (Assesses process management and brand adherence)

• "How do you prioritize multiple design projects with competing deadlines? Can you give an example of a time you successfully managed a high-volume workload?" (Assesses operational efficiency and time management)

• "How do you approach collaborating with non-designers (e.g., writers, marketers) to ensure your design effectively communicates their message?" (Assesses communication and collaboration skills) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in higher education marketing at a university like Rowan?" (Assesses motivation and cultural fit)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices, particularly those relevant to institutional branding and digital media?" (Assesses continuous learning and industry awareness)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach based on feedback or changing project requirements." (Assesses adaptability and receptiveness to input) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or client.

• For each project, be prepared to discuss: the objective, your role, your design process, challenges faced, and the outcome.

• Highlight projects that demonstrate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud tools and your understanding of brand guidelines.

• Be ready to discuss how your designs aimed to achieve specific communication goals for the target audience.

• Showcase your ability to translate complex information into clear, visually appealing designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe beyond pure design skill to assess the candidate's ability to operate effectively within a structured, collaborative, and high-volume environment, mirroring operational expectations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your completed online application through the provided link on the Rowan University careers page.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight specific experiences with Adobe Creative Cloud, brand guideline application, print and digital design projects, and any experience with project management tools or DAM systems. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X campaign assets that contributed to Y% increase in engagement").

• Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate your interest in Rowan University, your understanding of the role's responsibilities, and how your skills and experience align with the requirements, particularly your ability to work efficiently in a team and manage multiple projects.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio URL or PDF is easily accessible and showcases a diverse range of your best work, emphasizing projects that demonstrate strong design fundamentals, brand adherence, and versatility across print and digital media.

• Prepare for the interview: Research Rowan University's mission, values, and recent marketing initiatives. Be ready to discuss your design process, collaborative experiences, and how you handle project management and deadlines. Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your design rationale.

⚠️ 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.

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