Graphic Designer, School of Visual and Performing Arts

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, School of Visual and Performing Arts

Company: Endicott College

Location: Beverly, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Education

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and executes visual communications for the School of Visual and Performing Arts and the Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts, aligning with strategic marketing and recruitment goals.

• Manages the School's website and social media presence to enhance recruitment, audience engagement, and event promotion.

• Designs a wide range of print and digital marketing materials, ensuring a consistent and engaging visual identity across all platforms.

• Collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and leadership to maintain institutional brand standards while integrating current design trends and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on the visual branding and promotional efforts for an academic institution's arts programs, requiring a blend of creative design skills and strategic marketing execution within an educational setting. The emphasis on managing both print and digital assets, including website and social media, positions this as a comprehensive marketing design role for the arts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Dean, Director of the Center for the Arts, Campus Curator & Gallery Director, Chair of Performing Arts, faculty, and staff to develop creative concepts that support the School of Visual and Performing Arts' strategic marketing, recruitment, and branding goals.

• Manage multiple concurrent design projects from concept through production, incorporating feedback and ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely completion.

• Design print and digital marketing materials, including posters, brochures, postcards, exhibition catalogs, event programs, signage, recruitment materials, advertisements, and other promotional pieces.

• Oversee the School's presence on the website and create engaging social media content to support recruitment, audience engagement, fundraising, and event promotion.

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop integrated marketing campaigns for exhibitions, performances, lectures, admissions events, and community outreach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed responsibilities highlight a significant volume of project management (100+ projects annually) and a hands-on design approach (70% designing). The role requires close collaboration within an academic arts department and involves direct responsibility for digital presence, making it a key marketing support function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Two years of experience in a designing role.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience managing websites through a content management system (CMS).

• Experience creating content for social media and digital marketing platforms.

• Strong visual design, typography, branding, and layout skills.

• Knowledge of print production and digital publishing processes.

• Excellent project management and organizational skills.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Proofing and editing experience.

• Familiarity with email marketing platforms (e.g., EMMA).

• Basic understanding of web and social media analytics.

• Photography, video editing, motion graphics, and AI-assisted design experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level suggests a candidate who can work independently on design tasks while also collaborating effectively. The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications and CMS management indicates a need for practical, hands-on skills rather than purely conceptual design abilities. Familiarity with analytics and AI tools is a plus, pointing towards a modern, data-informed design approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing diverse print and digital design projects, including marketing materials, branding initiatives, and event promotions.

• Provide examples of successful website content management and social media campaign execution, highlighting engagement metrics if possible.

• Include case studies illustrating the design process from concept to completion, emphasizing problem-solving and creative solutions.

• Showcase an understanding of brand consistency and how it was applied across various projects for a single client or initiative. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate the workflow for managing multiple design projects simultaneously, including concept development, feedback incorporation, and production.

• Detail experience with print production workflows, from file preparation to vendor coordination.

• Explain how social media content is planned, created, and scheduled to achieve specific marketing objectives.

• Provide examples of how feedback is incorporated into design revisions and how accuracy and consistency are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates for this role should prepare a portfolio that not only displays creative talent but also demonstrates a structured approach to project management, brand stewardship, and digital content creation within an academic or institutional context. The ability to articulate the design process and its impact is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $59,000.00 - $70,000.00 Annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

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

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities and tuition remission for eligible employees/dependents.

• Free parking on campus.

• Access to campus facilities and community events.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule requirement for evening/weekend event attendance as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on Massachusetts pay transparency law and reflects the specified experience level and responsibilities. While specific benefit details are not listed, standard educational institution benefits are assumed. The requirement for flexible working hours highlights the need for adaptability in supporting arts events.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education / Higher Education / Arts & Humanities

Company Size: 501-1000 employees (Endicott College)

Founded: 1939 (Endicott College)

Team Structure:

• Operates within the School of Visual and Performing Arts, reporting to the Director of the Center for the Arts.

• Collaborates closely with faculty, the Dean, Campus Curator & Gallery Director, and Chair of Performing Arts.

• May interact with other College departments such as Marketing & Communications and Human Resources. Methodology:

• Emphasizes a collaborative approach to creative development, integrating feedback from various stakeholders.

• Focuses on data-informed marketing and recruitment strategies, utilizing website and social media analytics.

• Adheres to institutional brand standards while staying abreast of contemporary design trends and technologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Endicott College's culture is described as vibrant, supportive, and collaborative, with an emphasis on community involvement. For a Graphic Designer, this means working within a team-oriented environment that values creativity and hands-on learning, typical of academic institutions focused on arts programs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer

Reporting Structure: Works under the general supervision of the Director, Center for the Arts.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the external perception of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, directly influencing student recruitment, audience engagement for performances and exhibitions, and overall brand strength. Their work is vital for communicating the value and vibrancy of the arts programs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expand expertise in specialized design areas like motion graphics, AI-assisted design, or advanced digital marketing analytics.

• Take on leadership for larger, integrated marketing campaigns or branding initiatives within the School.

• Develop skills in project management and potentially mentor junior designers or interns as the role evolves.

• Gain deeper understanding of higher education marketing and communications strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this specific role does not involve direct supervision, opportunities for growth exist in deepening specialized design skills and taking on more strategic marketing responsibilities within the arts school. The role offers a solid foundation for a career in higher education marketing or arts administration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, within the Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts at Endicott College.

Office Location(s): Beverly, MA. The campus is seaside, approximately 20 miles north of Boston, accessible by commuter rail.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment where interaction with faculty, staff, and potentially students is expected.

• Access to necessary design software and technology, likely including Adobe Creative Cloud and CMS tools.

• Opportunities to attend and support campus events, fostering a connection with the college community.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with the expectation of flexibility to attend and support evening and weekend events, performances, and exhibitions as required by the academic calendar and program schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and flexible hours are typical for roles supporting live events and a physical campus community. The seaside location and proximity to Boston are attractive features. The work environment is likely dynamic, reflecting the nature of an active arts school.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: Likely a review of application materials, including resume and portfolio, by HR or the hiring manager.

• Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a small design task or present a case study from their portfolio to assess problem-solving skills and design process.

• Interview(s): In-person or virtual interviews with the hiring manager (Director, Center for the Arts) and potentially other key stakeholders (e.g., Dean, faculty representatives) to discuss experience, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects, explaining design choices, process, and outcomes.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate 5-7 strong projects that best represent your skills relevant to this role (print, digital, branding, social media).

• For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the results or impact.

• Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF).

• Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and manage multiple deadlines, citing specific examples. Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Endicott College's existing branding and visual identity, particularly for the School of Visual and Performing Arts.

• Review the college's website and social media presence to understand their current communication style.

• Prepare concise answers on how you would approach designing promotional materials for different types of arts events (e.g., an exhibition vs. a performance).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only design talent but also the candidate's ability to collaborate within an academic structure and manage projects effectively. A well-prepared portfolio that highlights relevant experience and a clear understanding of the college's mission will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (essential).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, Excel (for general business communication and presentations).

• Content Management System (CMS): Experience with a specific CMS for website updates is required.

• Email Marketing Platforms: EMMA or similar (preferred).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic web and social media analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, platform-specific insights). CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned, but familiarity with marketing automation principles may be beneficial for digital campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with CMS platforms and a foundational understanding of digital analytics will be critical for managing the school's online presence effectively. Familiarity with email marketing tools is a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability: Consistently deliver high-quality work on time and be an engaged member of the campus community.

• Organization: Efficiently manage time and resources to meet project deadlines.

• Communication: Possess clear, effective, and efficient communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Adaptability: Show a willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches to design and communication.

• Follow Through: Take ownership of projects from start to finish.

• Customer Service: Respond to inquiries and needs in a timely, competent, and approachable manner, serving faculty, staff, and students.

• Initiative/Personal Leadership: Identify opportunities for improvement and actively contribute to solutions.

• Team Player: Collaborate effectively and share knowledge and experience with colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

• Engage in collaborative design processes, incorporating feedback from faculty, staff, and leadership.

• Work closely with academic departments to understand their specific communication needs for programs, exhibitions, and events.

• Maintain open lines of communication regarding project status, timelines, and potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated core competencies emphasize a strong work ethic, interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their past work experiences, particularly in collaborative and client-facing roles within an educational or arts context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing multiple design requests from various stakeholders with competing priorities and deadlines.

• Maintaining brand consistency across diverse marketing materials while also incorporating fresh design trends.

• Adapting to new technologies and platforms for digital content creation and dissemination.

• Effectively translating academic program goals and artistic expressions into compelling visual narratives. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Attend workshops or online courses to stay current with design software updates and industry trends (e.g., AI in design, new digital marketing strategies).

• Deepen understanding of higher education marketing and recruitment best practices.

• Gain experience with more advanced analytics tools for digital content performance.

• Explore opportunities to contribute to larger institutional design projects beyond the School of Visual and Performing Arts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to refine project management skills and adapt to the unique demands of marketing in higher education. The growth potential lies in becoming a more strategic design partner for the arts school and expanding digital marketing expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a visual identity for a new academic program or event."

• "How do you approach collaborating with faculty who may have different aesthetic preferences or technical understanding?"

• "Walk us through a challenging design project where you had to manage multiple stakeholder inputs and tight deadlines. What was your approach and the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working with the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Endicott College specifically?"

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with Endicott's mission and values?"

• "Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to a new design tool or workflow. How did you approach it?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select projects that showcase your versatility across print, digital, and social media platforms.

• For each project, clearly explain the problem, your solution, your process, and the impact. Use metrics where appropriate.

• Be ready to discuss how you ensure brand consistency and how you incorporate feedback.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with CMS and social media management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating creativity, strong project management skills, excellent communication, and an understanding of the unique environment of a higher education arts institution. Be ready to articulate your design process and its strategic rationale.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume, cover letter, and a link to your online portfolio through the Endicott College careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest print, digital, and social media design work relevant to arts organizations or educational institutions. Include specific examples of branding, event promotion, and website content management.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, CMS platforms, and any relevant social media or analytics experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed promotional materials that increased event attendance by X%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and collaboration strategies. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate the core competencies listed in the job description (Reliability, Organization, Communication, etc.).

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Endicott College, its mission, the School of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts. Understand their current visual branding and marketing efforts to show genuine interest and how you can contribute.

⚠️ 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.