Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Associated Students, Inc.

Location: San Luis Obispo, California, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Design

Date Posted: 2026-03-23

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative output for ASI programs and managed facilities by developing compelling graphics for promotional, collateral, and digital materials.

• Ensure strict adherence to ASI and Cal Poly branding guidelines, maintaining a consistent and professional brand appearance across all visual assets.

• Collaborate with internal clients and external vendors to manage the entire design lifecycle, from concept to print production and digital deployment.

• Uphold ethical standards, respect for diversity, and awareness of sustainability in all design decisions and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically designated as a student position, indicating a focus on developing practical design skills within an academic and organizational context. Success will hinge on balancing creative execution with adherence to established brand identities and project management demands.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce original artwork for a wide range of marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, posters, banners, logos, advertisements, specialty print items, web graphics, and social media assets.

• Develop and implement print layouts for multi-page publications, integrated marketing campaigns, and individual collateral pieces, ensuring visual appeal and effective communication.

• Coordinate with on- and off-campus vendors to obtain quotes, establish production timelines, manage print proofs, and receive final products, ensuring quality and timely delivery.

• Maintain consistent and clear communication directly with internal clients to coordinate project details, assess photography or video needs, and manage revisions to ensure deadlines and appropriate design applications.

• Manage and maintain archives of individual project specifications, drafts, and final proofs, ensuring organized record-keeping for future reference and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role involving the full spectrum of graphic design production, from initial concept to final vendor coordination. Emphasis is placed on client interaction and brand adherence, suggesting a need for strong communication and a meticulous approach to design execution within established frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the creation of original artwork.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the study of typography.

Required Skills:

• Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Proficiency with Mac computers.

• Strong understanding of typography principles and application.

• Ability to create original artwork that aligns with brand messaging.

• Skill in planning and implementing print layouts for various collateral.

• Ability to prepare graphics for digital marketing, including web and social media assets.

• Experience coordinating with external vendors for print production.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for client and vendor interactions.

• High level of organization and independent work capability.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of video or motion graphics software.

• Familiarity with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience with integrated marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of foundational design skills, technical proficiency with industry-standard software, and crucial soft skills like organization and communication, which are vital for managing client expectations and production workflows in a fast-paced environment. The student-specific requirement is a core differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse design projects demonstrating original artwork creation, typography application, and layout design for both print and digital media.

• Include examples of marketing materials such as flyers, posters, brochures, or social media assets that reflect clear branding and effective communication.

• Projects should illustrate an understanding of brand guidelines, with specific examples of how ASI and Cal Poly branding were maintained or adapted.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss the design process for 1-2 key projects, detailing the steps from initial brief and concept development through revisions, client feedback, and final production.

• Articulate how project deadlines were managed and how communication was maintained with clients and vendors throughout the process.

• Demonstrate an understanding of print production considerations, such as file preparation, color modes, and working with printers.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student graphic design role, the portfolio should emphasize foundational skills, creative problem-solving, and the ability to follow brand guidelines. The ability to articulate the design process and vendor coordination is key to demonstrating practical application of skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.90 per hour. This is a fixed hourly rate, reflecting entry-level compensation for a student position in San Luis Obispo, California, aligning with typical student employment wages for skilled roles.

Benefits:

• Gain practical, hands-on experience in graphic design within a professional university-affiliated organization.

• Opportunity to build a strong design portfolio with diverse projects.

• Develop professional communication and client management skills.

• Exposure to working with established brand guidelines (ASI and Cal Poly).

• Potential for networking within the university and local community.

Working Hours:

• Part-time position, requiring availability for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026 semesters. Specific hours will be determined based on program needs and student availability, likely aligning with standard business hours but flexible to accommodate academic schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is fixed at the stated hourly rate, common for student positions. Benefits are primarily experiential, focusing on skill development and portfolio building, which are highly valuable for students entering the design field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Student Services / Non-Profit Organization. Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is a student-led organization that provides services, programs, and facilities for students at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. This context implies a mission-driven environment focused on student development and engagement.

Company Size: While specific employee numbers are not detailed, ASI manages significant facilities and programs, suggesting a substantial operational footprint, likely involving a mix of full-time staff and a large contingent of student employees. This means designers will interact with various departments and student leaders.

Founded: ASI has a long history of serving Cal Poly students, established to support and enhance the student experience. This legacy suggests a stable organization with established processes and a commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Assistant Coordinator– Marketing (Creative Operations).

• The design team likely consists of multiple student designers working collaboratively under the guidance of a coordinator.

Methodology:

• Design work adheres to established ASI and Cal Poly brand guidelines, emphasizing consistency and brand integrity.

• Project management involves clear communication with internal clients and external vendors, managing deadlines, and seeking approvals.

• A commitment to ethical decision-making, diversity, and sustainability is integrated into the organizational culture and expected in all employee conduct.

Company Website: https://www.asi.calpoly.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is student-centric and professional, blending academic learning objectives with operational responsibilities. Designers must be adaptable to working within established branding and collaborating with diverse student stakeholders.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, student-specific role designed for individuals early in their graphic design career. It offers foundational experience in a professional environment, focusing on practical application of design skills and project management.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Assistant Coordinator– Marketing (Creative Operations). This structure provides direct supervision and mentorship, crucial for skill development.

Operations Impact: The work of the Graphic Designer directly impacts ASI's ability to effectively communicate its offerings, promote events, and maintain a strong brand presence. High-quality design contributes to student engagement, program participation, and the overall perception of ASI services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, layout design, and print production processes. Gain experience in digital asset creation for social media and web.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with a variety of professional design projects that can be leveraged for future internships or full-time roles.

• Professional Experience: Develop essential soft skills such as client communication, project management, time management, and teamwork within a professional organizational setting.

• Brand Management Understanding: Gain practical experience in adhering to and applying established brand guidelines for both the organization and a major university.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a significant learning opportunity. Growth is measured by the development of core design competencies, the creation of a professional portfolio, and the acquisition of practical work experience, rather than traditional hierarchical advancement within ASI.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, implying a traditional office or studio setting within ASI facilities at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. This environment likely supports collaboration and direct supervision.

Office Location(s): San Luis Obispo, California, United States. The specific office location will be within ASI's managed spaces on the Cal Poly campus, offering a dynamic university environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be equipped with the necessary hardware (Mac computers) and software (Adobe Creative Suite) to perform design tasks.

• Opportunities for direct collaboration with the Assistant Coordinator– Marketing and potentially other student designers or marketing team members.

• The environment is likely fast-paced, driven by academic calendars and student program needs, requiring adaptability and efficient work habits.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with a requirement for availability across Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. Specific hours will be scheduled around the student's academic commitments and ASI's operational needs, typically within standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this student role, facilitating direct mentorship and hands-on training. The workspace context suggests a supportive environment for learning and skill application within a university setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of applications to ensure candidates meet the student enrollment and unit load requirements, and possess basic qualifications.

• Portfolio Submission: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant design work.

• Interview(s): Conducted by the Assistant Coordinator– Marketing and potentially other ASI staff. This will assess design skills, understanding of typography and branding, communication abilities, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment (Optional): A small design challenge or practical exercise may be given to evaluate on-the-spot creative problem-solving and software proficiency.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest and most relevant design projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates original artwork, typography, layout skills, and brand adherence.

• Showcase Variety: Include examples of both print and digital design if possible. If you have experience with social media assets, web graphics, or motion graphics, highlight those.

• Explain Your Process: For 1-2 key projects, be ready to articulate your design process, from understanding the brief to final execution. Discuss your creative decisions and how you addressed client needs.

• Highlight Branding: Clearly show how you applied or considered brand guidelines (e.g., ASI, Cal Poly, or other client brands).

• Keep it Concise: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Adobe Suite Basics: Be prepared to demonstrate or discuss your proficiency in key Adobe Creative Suite applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Understand Typography: Be ready to discuss basic typographic principles and how they apply to effective design.

• Brand Adherence: Think about how you would approach designing for a specific brand, considering its existing guidelines and target audience.

• Problem-Solving: Practice thinking through design challenges and how you would arrive at a creative solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio and practical design skills. Candidates should focus on clearly demonstrating their technical abilities, creative thinking, and understanding of design principles, especially as they relate to branding and client communication.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency is required, specifically:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print materials like brochures, flyers, and posters.

• Mac Computers: The primary operating system for design work within ASI.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer role, but awareness of how design assets are used within marketing campaigns managed by CRM systems might be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac platform is non-negotiable for this role. Familiarity with these tools is paramount for successful job performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Development: A core value of ASI, meaning the role and its supervision are geared towards learning and professional growth for the student.

• Service Excellence: Providing high-quality services and support to the student body and university community.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Fostering an environment that respects and values individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and clients to achieve shared goals.

• Professionalism: Maintaining ethical conduct, promptness, and a positive attitude in all work-related interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Focused: Designers work closely with internal clients (program managers, student leaders) to understand their needs and deliver on project briefs.

• Team-Oriented: Collaboration within the design and marketing team is encouraged for feedback, idea generation, and workload management.

• Process-Driven: Adherence to established workflows, brand guidelines, and communication protocols ensures efficient project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes a supportive, learning-oriented environment where professional values are integrated with practical design work. Collaboration is key to meeting the diverse needs of ASI's programs and student stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design requests from different departments and student groups with competing deadlines.

• Adhering to Strict Branding: Consistently applying ASI and Cal Poly brand guidelines while still producing creative and engaging designs.

• Client Communication: Effectively translating client needs into design solutions and managing feedback and revisions.

• Technical Skill Development: Continuously learning and adapting to new design software features or techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Advancement: Opportunities to become more proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, explore new design techniques, and potentially gain exposure to motion graphics or video editing.

• Portfolio Building: Direct experience creating professional-grade design assets for a reputable organization, significantly benefiting future career prospects.

• Professional Skills: Development of crucial soft skills like time management, project coordination, client interaction, and problem-solving in a real-world work setting.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding the operational aspects of marketing and design within a university-affiliated non-profit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for entry-level design roles and are framed as opportunities for skill development and professional growth, aligning with the overall purpose of a student position.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a design project from your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the objective, your creative process, and the outcome?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you approach ensuring a design adheres to specific brand guidelines while still being creative and engaging?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand consistency and creative execution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Associated Students, Inc. and specifically in this Graphic Designer role?" (Connect your skills and interests to ASI's mission and the role's responsibilities.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple design projects with different deadlines?" (Highlight your organizational and time management skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the client's need, your conceptual approach, the design solutions you implemented, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate what you did on each project, especially if it was a collaborative effort.

• Showcase Process: If possible, include early sketches, mood boards, or different iterations to demonstrate your thought process.

• Focus on Impact: Explain how your design helped achieve the client's objectives (e.g., increased event attendance, clearer messaging).

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software proficiency and specific design techniques used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and practical professional skills. Highlighting the ability to work within constraints (like branding) and manage projects effectively will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, personal website, Behance) that prominently features 4-6 of your strongest design projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates original artwork, typography, layout skills, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, design projects, technical skills (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and any previous work or volunteer experience that showcases organization, communication, and responsibility.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your creative decisions, and discussing your familiarity with branding. Prepare to answer behavioral questions about teamwork, time management, and client interaction.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) website, its mission, the services it provides, and the Cal Poly brand. Understand how graphic design supports these aspects.

⚠️ 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.