Graphic Designer - Strategic Communication & Branding

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Strategic Communication & Branding

Company: University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)

Location: Galveston, Texas, United States

Job Type: Regular

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-04-10T16:18:44

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for enhancing UTMB's brand presence through strategic visual communication across digital and print mediums.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating compelling design assets that support the university's four mission areas: patient care, research, innovation, and education.

• The position requires a blend of creative design skills and project management capabilities to collaborate effectively with diverse internal stakeholders and drive engagement.

• Successful candidates will leverage their design expertise to support marketing strategists and contribute to the visibility of UTMB Health services and academic programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes "Strategic Communication & Branding," indicating a need for a designer who understands marketing objectives and can translate them into impactful visual narratives. This role is positioned as a key contributor to UTMB's overall strategic initiatives within the healthcare and education sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-impact digital and print collateral, including logos, website graphics, social media content, promotional flyers, banners, and advertisements.

• Develop innovative typesetting, layout, and design concepts aligned with UTMB's innovation, research, clinical, and education mission areas.

• Actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions to generate novel ideas and design solutions.

• Ensure brand consistency across all materials by adhering strictly to established brand guidelines.

• Prepare and present design drafts to internal teams and stakeholders, incorporating feedback for revisions and final approvals.

• Utilize project management tools to track and manage design projects, fostering collaboration with teams across the Academic Enterprise and Health System.

• Manage a concurrent workload of multiple design projects, ensuring timely delivery and meticulous attention to detail.

• Continuously research and integrate emerging design trends, tools, and techniques into creative output.

• Explore opportunities to incorporate motion graphics and animations into designs to enhance audience engagement.

• Adhere to internal controls and organizational reporting structures.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the department's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant project management and cross-functional collaboration elements. The mention of "driving clinical business" suggests that design efforts will be tied to measurable business outcomes, a key consideration for operations-minded professionals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Illustration, or a closely related field is required.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, indicating a potential for growth and advanced responsibilities.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of related graphic design experience is mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating a diverse range of successful print and digital design projects.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Ability to receive and effectively incorporate constructive design feedback.

• Demonstrated skill in articulating design choices and rationale.

• Up-to-date knowledge of current design trends in graphics, marketing, and web design.

• Exceptional attention to detail and a proven ability to meet project deadlines consistently.

• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with digital, content, media, design, and social media teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic web design skills and familiarity with HTML/CSS.

• Experience with motion graphics and animation software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize core graphic design competencies but also touch upon strategic communication and project management. Familiarity with web technologies and motion graphics are noted as advantageous, suggesting the role may evolve to include more dynamic digital content creation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is essential, showcasing a wide array of print and digital design projects that demonstrate versatility and skill.

• Portfolio pieces should ideally reflect an understanding of branding principles and strategic communication objectives.

• Candidates should be prepared to present specific examples of how their designs have contributed to project goals or audience engagement.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement, candidates are expected to demonstrate an ability to manage design projects within a structured workflow.

• Experience using project management tools for design workflows is mentioned, indicating a need for process awareness and adherence.

• The ability to articulate design choices suggests a structured approach to design problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary "process" requirement revolves around the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate the design process and rationale behind their work. This is a critical area for operations-focused roles, as it demonstrates strategic thinking and execution clarity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Actual salary will be commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• As an employee of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), candidates can expect a comprehensive benefits package, which typically includes:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Retirement Plan (e.g., Teacher Retirement System of Texas - TRS)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Life Insurance and Disability Coverage
  • Tuition Reimbursement or Educational Assistance programs
  • Access to UTMB's wellness programs and facilities

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

• The role is primarily on-site, with standard business hours expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is open-ended, emphasizing experience. The estimated range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles and locations. UTMB, as a large academic medical center, generally offers robust benefits packages typical for public institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare and Higher Education. UTMB is a major academic health center, combining patient care, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive educational programs. This dual focus creates a dynamic environment where design plays a crucial role in communicating complex information and advancing institutional goals.

Company Size: UTMB is a large organization, employing thousands of individuals across its various missions. This scale implies a structured environment with established processes and a wide network of departments for collaboration.

Founded: UTMB was founded in 1891, making it one of the oldest medical schools in the United States. Its long history suggests a stable organization with a strong tradition, but also one that is likely embracing modern communication strategies.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a design and branding team, likely within a larger marketing or communications department.

• This team collaborates closely with content creators, marketing strategists, and other communication professionals.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving direct communication with stakeholders from the Academic Enterprise (research and education) and the Health System (patient care).

Methodology:

• Design work is driven by UTMB's strategic priorities and its four mission areas.

• A strong emphasis is placed on adhering to established brand guidelines to maintain a consistent institutional identity.

• Project management tools are utilized to ensure organized workflow and efficient collaboration.

• Design concepts are expected to be creative, engaging, and tailored to specific internal and external audiences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights UTMB's status as a prominent academic medical institution. This means the design work will have a tangible impact on critical areas like public health, scientific advancement, and medical education, offering a sense of purpose beyond typical design roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an individual contributor with a focus on executing design strategies. It requires a solid foundation in graphic design principles and practical application experience. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level designer role, capable of working independently on assigned projects.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the marketing or communications department. They will also collaborate extensively with project managers and stakeholders across various UTMB departments.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts UTMB's ability to communicate its mission, attract patients, secure research funding, and recruit students. Effective visual communication is crucial for brand perception, stakeholder engagement, and ultimately, the success of UTMB's strategic goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas like motion graphics, web design, or branding strategy.

• Leadership Potential: With continued experience and demonstrated leadership in project execution, there may be opportunities to move into senior designer or team lead roles.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Working with diverse departments provides exposure to different communication needs and strategic challenges within a large organization, fostering broader understanding.

• Professional Development: UTMB likely offers training and development programs, including workshops and potential for attending industry conferences, to keep skills current.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a designer looking to make a significant impact within a large, reputable institution. Growth is likely to be through skill enhancement and taking on more complex projects rather than rapid hierarchical advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role requires physical presence at the UTMB campus in Galveston, Texas.

Office Location(s): Galveston, Texas. This location offers a unique work environment, balancing professional responsibilities with the lifestyle of a coastal city.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, with regular interaction with a design team and other marketing/communications professionals.

• Access to industry-standard design software and technology (Adobe Creative Suite) will be provided.

• The role involves working closely with various departments, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate different stakeholder needs and working styles.

• The academic medical setting may involve exposure to diverse teams, including researchers, clinicians, educators, and administrative staff.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with a focus on meeting project deadlines. Flexibility may be available depending on specific project demands and departmental policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Galveston suggests a traditional office environment. The collaborative nature of the role means strong interpersonal skills are as important as technical design skills for success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative output. A strong, relevant portfolio is paramount.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager or a senior member of the design team. This stage will focus on assessing design skills, creative process, and understanding of branding principles. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a design exercise or case study to evaluate problem-solving abilities, technical proficiency, and response to creative briefs under timed conditions.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with key stakeholders from other departments or senior leadership to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select pieces that best represent your skills in print and digital design, branding, and strategic communication relevant to healthcare and education.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, include a brief overview of the problem, your approach, design rationale, and the outcome. This demonstrates your thinking process.

• Highlight UTMB Alignment: If possible, include a speculative piece or a project that demonstrates an understanding of institutional branding or the healthcare sector.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically and present it cleanly, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design challenge provided.

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely across concept development, execution, and refinement.

• Articulate Rationale: Be ready to explain your design decisions, target audience, and how the design meets the brief's objectives.

• Brand Awareness: If a brand guide is provided, adhere to it strictly. If not, consider establishing a consistent visual style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their work but also to articulate the strategic thinking, process, and impact behind each piece.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential.

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphics.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print collateral like brochures, flyers, and reports.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar is expected for managing design workflows and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this design role, but an understanding of how marketing automation platforms and CRMs are used to distribute marketing materials might provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with project management tools is also a key requirement for workflow efficiency and cross-functional collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Mission: A dedication to supporting the core missions of patient care, research, innovation, and education at UTMB.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams across the institution.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive to produce high-quality, impactful design work that upholds the UTMB brand.

• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Willingness to stay current with design trends and adapt to evolving communication needs.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards and professional conduct in all interactions and work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various departments, including marketing, communications, academic programs, and clinical services.

• Feedback-Driven: An open approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from team members and stakeholders.

• Proactive Communication: Engaging proactively with colleagues and clients to ensure project alignment and timely delivery.

• Brand Stewardship: Working collaboratively to ensure all visual communications are consistent with UTMB's brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at a large academic medical institution like UTMB typically values collaboration, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to the institution's mission. Designers are expected to be team players who can contribute to a larger organizational purpose.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Missions: Designing for distinct audiences across patient care, research, and education requires understanding and adapting to different communication needs and priorities.

• Adhering to Brand Standards: Maintaining a consistent brand identity across a vast institution while also allowing for creative expression can be challenging.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively managing feedback and priorities from various stakeholders with potentially conflicting needs.

• Keeping Pace with Digital Trends: Continuously updating skills to incorporate new digital design formats and technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: UTMB likely offers internal workshops and access to online learning platforms for skill development.

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

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or marketing professionals within the organization.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of projects provides organic learning and skill expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for designers in large, complex organizations. Growth opportunities are tied to mastering these challenges and leveraging the diverse projects available.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a brand identity for a new initiative or campaign." (Focus on strategic thinking, research, and iterative design process.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with an organization's mission and strategic goals, especially in a complex environment like healthcare and education?" (Emphasize understanding the client's objectives and translating them visually.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for UTMB Health specifically?" (Research UTMB's mission, recent achievements, and its role in healthcare/education.)

• "How do you collaborate with non-designers (e.g., medical professionals, researchers) to bring their ideas to life visually?" (Discuss communication strategies and the ability to translate technical concepts.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the context, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the impact of your work.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, event attendance), highlight these metrics.

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your presentation covers both print and digital projects, demonstrating a range of skills.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools and techniques you used.

• Tailor to UTMB: Select projects that best align with the type of work UTMB requires, demonstrating your understanding of their needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent, but also strategic thinking, collaboration skills, and an understanding of how design contributes to organizational objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features your strongest print and digital design work, especially any related to healthcare, education, or institutional branding.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight the required qualifications, including your years of experience with Adobe Creative Suite, any experience with web design or motion graphics, and your project management skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for key portfolio pieces. Prepare to discuss your experience with branding, strategic communication, and collaboration with diverse teams.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research UTMB Health, its mission, values, and recent communications to understand their branding and strategic priorities. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.