📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Penn State University
Location: Penn State University Park
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Graphic Design
Date Posted: 2025-06-04
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: On-site
🎨 Design Role Summary
- Create high-level designs for print, social media, and web-based materials to elevate Penn State Athletics brand profile.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Services and Brand Management and the Creative Services staff.
- Manage multiple design projects with varying deadlines, archive and organize files, and assist in editing digital photography.
- Provide creative input for GoPSUsports.com and fulfill design needs of supporting department units.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires experience in managing a student intern program, expertise in Adobe Creative Suite applications, and the ability to work nights and weekends, including home football games.
🖼️ Primary Design Responsibilities
- Create original and creative designs for social media graphics, recruiting support, posters, game programs, signage, media guides, advertising, tickets, maps, website, and e-mail graphics.
- Work with the Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Services and Brand Management and the Creative Services staff to produce high-level designs.
- Manage multiple design projects with varying deadlines, archive and organize files, and assist in editing digital photography.
- Assist in the planning of photo shoots and provide creative input for GoPSUsports.com.
- Fulfill design needs of supporting department units, including Strategic Communications, Marketing, Compliance, etc.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires the ability to work efficiently and organize a large and varying workflow, with a focus on meeting multiple deadlines for both external and internal clients.
🎓 Design Skills & Qualifications
Education: Associate Degree
Experience: 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Design Skills:
- Expertise in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, and After Effects
- Experience with additional Adobe Applications is a plus
- Experience with supervising and managing a student intern program is a plus
Preferred Design Skills:
- Experience with additional design software and tools
- Knowledge of sports industry and branding is a plus
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite applications and experience in managing a student intern program. Familiarity with the sports industry and branding is a plus.
🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Showcase a variety of print, social media, and web-based design projects
- Demonstrate experience in creating designs for sports organizations or similar high-profile brands
- Highlight your ability to manage multiple design projects with varying deadlines
- Include examples of editing digital photography and assisting in photo shoot planning
Design Process Documentation:
- Demonstrate your research and discovery process for design projects
- Showcase your ideation and iteration methods, as well as your validation and testing approaches
📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should provide a link to an online portfolio or website showcasing their design work, with a focus on projects relevant to the sports industry and high-profile brands.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $51,000.00 - $74,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time
- 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with some nights and weekends required, including home football games
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this position is $51,000.00 - $74,000.00 per year. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children. This role requires some nights and weekends, including home football games.
🎯 Design Team & Company Context
🏢 Company & Design Culture
Industry: Education
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1855
Design Team Structure:
- The Creative Services Department is part of Penn State Athletics
- The team consists of graphic designers, web developers, and photographers
- The Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Services and Brand Management oversees the department
Design Methodology:
- The team follows a collaborative and iterative design process
- Design projects are managed using project management tools and software
- The team works closely with various departments within Penn State Athletics
Company Website: Penn State University
📝 Enhancement Note: Penn State University is a large research university with a strong focus on education and research. The Creative Services Department is part of Penn State Athletics and works closely with various departments within the university.
📈 Design Career & Growth Analysis
Design Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Graphic Designer
Design Impact: The Graphic Designer will have a significant impact on the visual identity and branding of Penn State Athletics
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Senior Graphic Designer role with increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and events within Penn State Athletics
- Possibility to expand skills and knowledge in areas such as web design, motion graphics, or branding strategy
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the Creative Services Department and Penn State Athletics. Applicants should be prepared to take on increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities as they develop their skills and gain experience.
🌐 Design Work Environment
Studio Type: On-site, located in the Penn State Athletics facility
Office Location(s): Penn State University Park
Design Workspace Context:
- The Creative Services Department is located in a modern, well-equipped facility
- The team works in a collaborative and creative environment with access to the latest design software and tools
- The department is part of the larger Penn State Athletics organization, providing opportunities for collaboration and interaction with various teams and departments
Work Schedule: Standard office hours with some flexibility for design workflow and creative flow
📝 Enhancement Note: The Creative Services Department is located in a modern, well-equipped facility with a collaborative and creative work environment. The team works standard office hours with some flexibility for design workflow and creative flow.
📄 Design Application & Portfolio Review Process
Design Interview Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the Senior Graphic Designer
- On-site interview with the Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Services and Brand Management and the Creative Services team
- Portfolio review and design challenge
- Final interview with the Director of Athletics Marketing and Branding
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight your experience in sports industry and branding
- Showcase your ability to manage multiple design projects with varying deadlines
- Include examples of editing digital photography and assisting in photo shoot planning
- Tailor your portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of Penn State Athletics brand guidelines and visual identity
Design Challenge Preparation:
- Prepare for a design challenge that may involve creating graphics for social media, posters, or other promotional materials
- Demonstrate your ability to work efficiently and meet tight deadlines
- Showcase your creative problem-solving skills and ability to think critically about design solutions
Design ATS Keywords:
- Graphic Design
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Sports Industry
- Branding
- Project Management
- Collaboration
- Photography Editing
- Photo Shoot Planning
- Design Thinking
- User-centered Design
📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should strategically incorporate design-related keywords throughout their resume and portfolio to optimize their application for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
🛠 Design Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Tools:
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, and After Effects
- Additional Adobe Applications as needed
Design Collaboration & Handoff:
- Confluence for project management and collaboration
- JIRA Service Desk for issue tracking and resolution
- Slack for team communication and collaboration
Design Research & Testing:
- Google Analytics for website traffic and user behavior analysis
- Social media analytics tools for social media performance tracking
- Surveymonkey or similar tools for user research and feedback collection
📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite applications and familiar with project management tools, collaboration software, and analytics tools relevant to the sports industry and branding.
👥 Design Team Culture & Values
Design Values:
- Creativity and innovation in design solutions
- Collaboration and teamwork with various departments within Penn State Athletics
- Attention to detail and quality in design execution
- Adaptability and flexibility in design workflow and project management
Design Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional collaboration with various departments within Penn State Athletics
- Regular design critiques and feedback exchange with the Creative Services team
- Knowledge sharing and mentorship opportunities within the department
📝 Enhancement Note: The Creative Services Department values creativity, collaboration, attention to detail, and adaptability in design workflow and project management. Applicants should demonstrate a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
⚡ Design Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Design Challenges:
- Managing multiple design projects with varying deadlines and priorities
- Balancing design work with photography editing and photo shoot planning responsibilities
- Adapting to changes in design briefs, project scope, or brand guidelines
- Working efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Attending industry conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date with design trends and best practices
- Participating in online courses and webinars to develop new skills and enhance existing ones
- Seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced designers within the department and industry
📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should be prepared to face challenges related to managing multiple design projects, balancing design work with photography editing and photo shoot planning, and adapting to changes in design briefs, project scope, or brand guidelines. They should also be proactive in seeking learning and development opportunities to advance their skills and knowledge.
💡 Design Interview Preparation
Design Process Questions:
- Describe your design process and methodology, with specific examples of how you approach design projects
- How do you collaborate with stakeholders and manage feedback from multiple sources?
- Can you walk us through a design project from start to finish, highlighting your problem-solving skills and design thinking approach?
Company & Design Culture Questions:
- How do you stay up-to-date with design trends and best practices in the sports industry and branding?
- Can you describe your experience working in a collaborative and iterative design environment?
- How do you approach design projects that require a strong understanding of Penn State Athletics brand guidelines and visual identity?
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Tailor your portfolio to showcase your experience in sports industry and branding
- Highlight your ability to manage multiple design projects with varying deadlines
- Include examples of editing digital photography and assisting in photo shoot planning
- Prepare a clear and concise presentation of your design process and methodology
📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their design process and methodology, as well as their experience working in a collaborative and iterative design environment. They should also be able to tailor their portfolio to showcase their experience in sports industry and branding and highlight their ability to manage multiple design projects with varying deadlines.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this graphic designer position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Upload your cover letter and resume, highlighting your design skills, experience, and portfolio
- Provide a link to your online portfolio or website, showcasing your design work and projects relevant to the sports industry and branding
- Prepare for a phone or video screen with the Senior Graphic Designer, followed by an on-site interview with the Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Services and Brand Management and the Creative Services team
- Be prepared to present your portfolio and participate in a design challenge, demonstrating your creative problem-solving skills and ability to work efficiently and meet tight deadlines
- Prepare for a final interview with the Director of Athletics Marketing and Branding, focusing on your design process, methodology, and cultural fit
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.