FCTL Graphic Designer (Student Position)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning Graphic Designer (Student Position)

Company: Ferris State University

Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307

Job Type: Part-Time Student Position

Category: Creative & Media / Education Operations

Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on developing and producing visual content to support the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL) initiatives, requiring a blend of creative design and operational execution.

• Key responsibilities include creating accessible and engaging digital and print assets, adhering to brand guidelines, and managing design projects from conception to completion.

• The position demands proficiency in industry-standard design software and a commitment to producing high-quality, inclusive visual communications.

• This is a student-focused role designed to provide practical experience in graphic design within an academic operational setting, emphasizing collaboration and production efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a student position, indicating an entry-level focus with opportunities for skill development. The "Operations" aspect comes from supporting a faculty center's functional needs through visual communication, requiring adherence to processes, brand standards, and project timelines.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of visual content, including social media graphics, newsletters, event flyers, infographics, and web images, ensuring they are both creative and accessible.

• Collaborate closely with FCTL staff to thoroughly understand project objectives, target audiences, and desired outcomes for each design request.

• Maintain an organized digital asset management system, including file libraries and design assets, to ensure efficient retrieval and usage.

• Strictly adhere to Ferris State University's brand guidelines to maintain visual consistency and professional integrity across all communication materials.

• Incorporate feedback from FCTL staff and stakeholders effectively to refine designs, improve quality, and ensure project success.

• Assist in the creation of accessible and inclusive content, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and equity in design.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and production goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to highlight the operational aspects of a design role: managing assets, adhering to brand guidelines, collaborating for project clarity, and incorporating feedback for process refinement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled student at Ferris State University. Specific major not specified, but a background or coursework in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is highly beneficial.

Experience: 0-2 years of hands-on experience in graphic design, with a focus on creating digital and print collateral. Experience in an academic or educational setting is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated creativity and a strong aesthetic sense.

• Proficiency in photo editing, page layout, and illustration software.

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) or equivalent professional design software.

• Excellent organizational and production-oriented skills to manage files and meet deadlines.

• A willingness to learn and implement principles of accessible and inclusive content creation.

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills for effective teamwork with FCTL staff.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with creating graphics for social media platforms and digital newsletters.

• Understanding of university brand guidelines and their application in design.

• Experience working within a collaborative team environment, especially in an educational institution.

• Basic understanding of web design principles or user experience (UX) as it pertains to visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" are directly extracted from the "Position Requirements" and framed for clarity. "Preferred Skills" are inferred based on the "Essential Duties" and the nature of supporting an academic center, emphasizing practical application and broader design awareness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design work demonstrating creativity, technical proficiency, and versatility across various media (digital and print).

• Case studies or examples that showcase the applicant's ability to translate project goals and audience needs into effective visual solutions.

• Visual examples of social media graphics, event flyers, infographics, or newsletter content.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) or equivalent software.

Process Documentation:

• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their design process, from concept development and client brief understanding to final asset delivery.

• Ability to articulate how they manage feedback and iterate on designs to meet project requirements and stakeholder expectations.

• Awareness of file management best practices for design assets and project archives.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a creative role, a portfolio is crucial. The "Portfolio Essentials" are derived from the "Documents Needed to Apply" and the core duties, emphasizing visual output and process. The "Process Documentation" section focuses on how the candidate approaches design work, a key operational aspect for any creative role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $14.00 - $14.49 per hour.

Benefits:

• Practical, hands-on work experience in graphic design within a university setting.

• Opportunity to build a professional portfolio with real-world projects.

• Development of valuable skills in design software, content creation, and collaboration.

• Exposure to academic operations and the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning's mission.

• Potential for networking opportunities within Ferris State University.

• Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments (specific hours to be determined).

Working Hours: This is a part-time student position. The specific number of hours per week will be determined based on student availability and departmental needs, but generally assumed to be around 15-20 hours per week, aligning with typical student employment and a standard 40-hour work week for full-time roles, with flexibility for academic schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Benefits for student positions are typically experiential rather than traditional. The salary range is directly stated. The working hours are inferred to be part-time and flexible to accommodate student life, typical for such roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education. Ferris State University is a public university focused on providing career-oriented education and professional programs.

Company Size: Large (1,000-10,000 employees, based on typical university structures). This size implies a structured environment with established processes and diverse departments.

Founded: 1884. This long history suggests a stable institution with a well-defined mission and established operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to staff within the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL).

• The FCTL likely operates as a support unit within the university, collaborating with faculty, departments, and potentially other academic support services.

Methodology:

• The FCTL's work likely involves supporting faculty development, instructional design, and pedagogical innovation, requiring a methodical approach to program delivery and resource creation.

• Design projects will follow a workflow that includes intake, creative development, review, and final delivery.

• Emphasis on data-informed decisions and evidence-based practices in teaching and learning support, which may influence design content.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the university's status and the nature of a Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on how academic support units typically operate within a university.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Position. This role is designed for students to gain foundational experience in graphic design and its application within an educational operations context.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to FCTL staff, providing clear guidance and supervision. This structure facilitates learning and skill development under experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the FCTL's ability to communicate effectively with faculty and the broader university community, influencing engagement with professional development resources and initiatives. High-quality, accessible visuals enhance the reach and effectiveness of FCTL programs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Development of a strong graphic design portfolio showcasing a range of skills and project experience.

• Enhanced proficiency in industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and design principles.

• Gaining experience in creating accessible and inclusive content, a critical skill in modern communication.

• Understanding project management and client collaboration within an organizational setting.

• Potential for recommendations and references from university staff, aiding future career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed around skill acquisition and portfolio building, which are paramount for student roles. The "Operations Impact" emphasizes how design contributes to the FCTL's functional goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at Ferris State University, likely within the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning's facilities. This environment is academic, professional, and student-focused.

Office Location(s): Big Rapids, MI 49307. Specific building/office details would be provided upon hiring.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace where interaction with FCTL staff is encouraged for project understanding and feedback.

• Access to necessary design software and potentially university branding resources.

• An environment that values educational excellence, student development, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Opportunities to see how design supports teaching, learning, and faculty development initiatives.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with hours to be arranged to accommodate academic schedules. This provides flexibility for students to balance work and study effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the context of a university graphic design student position, emphasizing collaboration, academic support, and flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and portfolios for creative talent, technical skills, and alignment with job requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): Applicants may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process, design choices, and how they approach client briefs and feedback.

• Interview: A discussion with FCTL staff to assess creativity, reliability, collaborative spirit, understanding of accessible design, and overall fit with the team.

• Skill Demonstration (Possible): A small design exercise or discussion about how they would approach a specific design challenge may be included.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase a diverse range of your best work, emphasizing projects relevant to the FCTL's needs (e.g., social media graphics, flyers, infographics).

• For each piece, be ready to explain your design process, the project's objectives, your role, and the outcome.

• Highlight your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design tools.

• If you have experience with accessible design principles, be sure to include examples and discuss your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Ferris State University's branding and the general mission of a Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach creating accessible and inclusive content.

• Think about how you manage feedback and collaborate with team members on creative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is designed to assess creative skills and operational fit. Tips are tailored to highlight how a student applicant can best present their qualifications for this specific role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design. Specific applications include:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout, brochures, newsletters, and print collateral.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating web graphics.

• Equivalent Design Software: Applicants with strong skills in other professional design suites may be considered.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not direct analytics tools, understanding how visual content performs on social media or web platforms can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as it's a design position focused on content creation rather than CRM management. However, understanding how content is distributed through university communication channels (newsletters, social media) is relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design software, as this is the core requirement for a graphic designer. Other tools are less relevant but understanding distribution channels is noted.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and unique visual solutions to communicate FCTL's message.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with FCTL staff and other university stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Commitment to creating content that is usable and understandable by all members of the university community.

• Professionalism & Reliability: Delivering high-quality work on time and maintaining a professional demeanor.

• Student Development: Fostering an environment where student employees can learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and proactive engagement with FCTL staff to ensure design projects align with objectives.

• Willingness to share ideas and provide constructive feedback within the team.

• A supportive atmosphere where students are encouraged to ask questions and learn from experienced professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are inferred from the university's mission and the specific nature of an FCTL, emphasizing collaboration, student growth, and educational support.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing multiple design projects with academic responsibilities, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Translating complex pedagogical concepts or faculty needs into clear, engaging visual communications.

• Learning and applying accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) to design work.

• Adapting to university brand guidelines and ensuring consistent application across various projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and advanced graphic design techniques.

• Gain practical experience in visual communication strategy for an educational institution.

• Develop a professional portfolio that demonstrates tangible design achievements.

• Learn about accessibility standards and inclusive design practices.

• Enhance collaboration and communication skills through interaction with university staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are typical for student roles balancing work and academics, and specific to design within an educational context. Growth opportunities focus on skill development and portfolio enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a social media graphic from initial request to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, client input, and execution).

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for a diverse audience?" (Assess understanding of accessibility principles).

• "Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Evaluate feedback incorporation and adaptability).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Ferris State University and its commitment to its students?" (Assess research and alignment with university values).

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who may have different ideas or priorities?" (Evaluate teamwork and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects to showcase.

• For each project, clearly articulate: the brief/goal, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the final outcome/impact.

• Be prepared to discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

• Emphasize any work that demonstrates accessibility or inclusive design principles.

• Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well and stays within any allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe creative process, technical skills, operational understanding (accessibility, branding), and collaborative abilities, all within the context of a university FCTL.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Ferris State University careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant design skills, software proficiency (especially Adobe Creative Suite), any experience with academic or communication materials, and any projects demonstrating creativity and reliability. Use keywords like "graphic design," "visual content," "Adobe Creative Suite," "illustration," "layout," and "collaboration."

• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your best work. Include examples of social media graphics, flyers, infographics, and any projects that highlight your ability to create accessible or inclusive content. Ensure it's well-organized and easy to navigate.

• Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended): Briefly explain your interest in the FCTL Graphic Designer role, your relevant skills, and why you believe you'd be a good fit for a student position at Ferris State University.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your approach to feedback, and your understanding of accessibility. Be ready to present your portfolio and answer questions about your creativity and reliability. Research the FCTL's mission and recent activities.

⚠️ 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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