Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Barry University

Location: Miami Shores, Florida, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-05T00:00:00

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop innovative, high-quality print and digital visual solutions to meet the marketing and communication needs of various internal clients, ensuring alignment with Barry University's brand standards.

• Manage the end-to-end creative process for graphic design projects, from concept development and client collaboration to final production and delivery, utilizing design applications and project management systems.

• Contribute to the team's creative excellence by staying abreast of emerging software enhancements, design trends, and visual communication best practices.

• Serve as a mentor and guide to student staff within the Barry Ad Company, fostering their professional development in graphic design and marketing communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a university's marketing and brand department, implying a need for design expertise that supports institutional goals such as enrollment, retention, and reputation enhancement. The emphasis on mentoring student staff suggests a component of team leadership and development. While the title is "Graphic Designer," the operational context is within marketing communications, requiring an understanding of how design drives broader institutional objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Ideate and conceptualize creative graphic design solutions for a diverse range of marketing and communication materials, including traditional print collateral, on-site displays, outdoor advertising (OOH), and various digital platforms.

• Execute design projects with mastery of layout and production techniques using industry-standard design applications, primarily within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

• Manage image selection, photo retouching, and digital asset archiving to maintain a high standard of visual quality and organizational efficiency.

• Apply expertise in color theory, typography, page composition, and grid structures to create visually appealing and effective designs.

• Collaborate closely with marketing clients and internal stakeholders to understand project requirements, gather feedback, and ensure deliverables meet client briefs and brand guidelines.

• Oversee the production process for creative assets, ensuring accuracy in file preparation and adherence to production techniques.

• Maintain strict adherence to project deadlines, deliverable specifications, and client feedback cycles, utilizing project management systems like Workfront for workflow tracking.

• Proactively stay updated on software advancements, emerging design trends, and visual communication innovations to enhance creative output.

• Organize and maintain project files systematically for easy retrieval and future reference.

• Actively participate in departmental staff and creative meetings, contributing to strategic discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

• Provide accurate time and cost estimates for printing, proofing, and delivery of design projects.

• Assist with photo and video shoots as needed, contributing creative input and technical support.

• Mentor and guide student staff within the Barry Ad Company, providing instruction and feedback on design projects and professional conduct.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "Barry Ad Company" and "Marketing and Brand department" indicates a functional operations unit focused on internal client service. The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management skills, client-facing communication, and a deep understanding of both print and digital design workflows. The mention of Workfront suggests a preference for candidates familiar with PjM tools common in operations environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Associate's Degree, Vocational, or Technical School Degree in Advertising, Communication Design, or Visual Arts required.

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Mastery of graphic design principles, including layout, composition, and grid structure.

• Proficiency in design software, specifically the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Knowledge of color theory and typography.

• Photo selection and retouching skills.

• Digital asset archiving and file management.

• Understanding of print production processes and specifications.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Strong client communication and feedback integration skills.

• Creative problem-solving and conceptualization abilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital design platforms and trends.

• Basic understanding of OOH (Out-of-Home) advertising design considerations.

• Experience in a university or educational institution setting.

• Mentorship or leadership experience, particularly with student teams.

• Knowledge of visual communication trends beyond traditional graphic design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "less than 12 months" experience requirement indicates this is an entry-level role, likely targeting recent graduates or individuals with internship experience. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud and foundational design principles is critical. The preference for a Bachelor's degree and the inclusion of "mentor student staff" suggest that while entry-level, the role values educational background and potential for leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects demonstrating proficiency in both print and digital media.

• Projects should showcase creative concept development, effective layout and typography, and strong visual hierarchy.

• Include examples of brand collateral, marketing materials, or campaign assets that align with the scope of responsibilities.

• Highlight projects that involved client interaction or addressed specific communication objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of the design project lifecycle, from brief to final delivery.

• Provide examples of how you manage feedback and revisions effectively.

• Showcase organizational skills through file management examples or project workflow descriptions.

• Include case studies or project summaries that detail the problem, your creative solution, and the outcome, emphasizing process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating foundational skills and creative potential rather than extensive project management experience. The ability to articulate the design process and handle feedback is key, reflecting the "accept feedback and direction" requirement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary range for this Graphic Designer position at Barry University, based on an entry-level experience level (less than 12 months) and its location in Miami Shores, Florida, is between $35,000 - $45,000. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for entry-level graphic design roles in higher education and the South Florida metropolitan area, considering the full-time, on-campus nature of the position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package.

• Dental insurance coverage.

• Vision insurance coverage.

• Life insurance policy.

• Retirement savings plan/401(k) or equivalent.

• Tuition assistance for employees and potentially their dependents.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick days, and holidays.

• Access to wellness programs aimed at promoting employee health and well-being.

• Support for spirituality in the workplace.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule of 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-campus, requiring physical presence at the Miami Shores main campus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimation based on industry averages for entry-level graphic designers in higher education in the Miami area. Benefits are listed as provided in the input data.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

Company Size: Barry University is a mid-sized university with a significant number of employees, contributing to a stable yet dynamic work environment. This size often allows for structured processes while maintaining opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: Barry University was founded in 1940, providing a long history and established presence in the educational landscape, suggesting a culture that values tradition alongside innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer is a key member of the Barry Ad Company and the broader Marketing and Brand department.

• They will likely work under an Art Director or a Marketing Communications Manager, with a reporting structure typical of a university's marketing division.

Methodology:

• Design projects are driven by institutional goals such as increasing enrollment, retention, and enhancing visibility and reputation.

• Creative solutions are developed through a combination of individual design work and collaborative input from marketing clients and leadership.

• Workflow is managed through project management systems (e.g., Workfront), ensuring structured progression and timely delivery.

• A focus on brand standards ensures consistency across all visual communications.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The university setting implies a mission-driven environment where design serves educational and outreach objectives. The "Barry Ad Company" suggests an internal agency model, potentially offering a blend of creative freedom and strategic alignment with institutional priorities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level Graphic Designer role (0-2 years of experience), serving as a foundational position within the university's marketing and brand operations. It is designed for individuals with foundational design skills and a strong desire to learn and grow within a professional creative environment.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a higher-level creative or marketing manager (e.g., Art Director, Marketing Communications Manager). They will also work collaboratively with various internal clients and potentially mentor student staff, indicating a dual role of execution and guidance.

Operations Impact: The role's output directly impacts the university's external perception and internal communication effectiveness. High-quality visual assets contribute to brand building, student recruitment, donor engagement, and overall institutional reputation, making the designer a critical contributor to operational success in marketing and communications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital design, motion graphics, or branding systems through hands-on project experience and potential professional development.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a senior designer role or take on more significant project leadership responsibilities, especially with experience in mentoring student staff.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various university departments, understanding their unique communication needs and contributing to broader institutional initiatives.

• Portfolio Expansion: Consistently build a strong portfolio with diverse projects that can lead to advanced roles within higher education or other creative industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for an entry-level role in a university setting typically involves mastering core competencies, taking on more complex projects, and potentially moving into supervisory or specialized design roles over time.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-campus, in-office position at Barry University's Main Campus in Miami Shores. The environment is likely a professional office setting within the university's marketing and brand department.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the main campus in Miami Shores, Florida. This location offers standard university campus amenities and accessibility for local commuters.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for interaction with marketing colleagues, creative teams, and internal clients.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided.

• The environment encourages creative thinking and problem-solving, with a focus on producing high-quality marketing collateral.

Work Schedule:

• The role requires a consistent 40-hour work week, adhering to standard university business hours.

• While generally structured, some flexibility may be possible depending on project deadlines and departmental needs, but the role is fundamentally on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being on-campus means working within a typical university operational structure, which can be both structured and community-focused. The emphasis on collaboration and a creative office setting is standard for design roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, software proficiency, and alignment with educational requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to a panel, discussing their design process, creative choices, and how they handle feedback. This stage will also assess communication skills and cultural fit with the university’s values.

• Technical Assessment/Design Challenge: A potential practical exercise or design challenge may be given to evaluate problem-solving abilities and on-the-spot creative thinking under time constraints.

• Final Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders or department heads to discuss the role in more detail, answer any remaining questions, and make a final hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, problem-solving approach, and the rationale behind your creative decisions for each project.

• Highlight Versatility: Include a range of projects demonstrating your ability in both print and digital design, as well as different styles and formats.

• Emphasize Results: Where possible, explain the objective of the design and any measurable impact or success it achieved.

• Quality over Quantity: Select your strongest pieces that best represent your skills and fit the requirements of the role.

• Organize and Present Clearly: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Be prepared to walk through it confidently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Barry University's brand guidelines and recent marketing campaigns to understand their visual identity and messaging.

• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making under pressure.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design brief relevant to university marketing.

• Prepare questions about the team, department, and specific projects to demonstrate your engagement and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio review will focus heavily on foundational skills, creative potential, and the ability to learn and adapt. The interview process will likely assess not just technical ability but also communication, teamwork, and cultural fit within a university environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Essential for all design work, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Workfront (or similar project management system): Used for managing project workflows, tracking deadlines, and client communication. Familiarity is beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general productivity, document creation, and internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a direct tool for graphic designers, but understanding how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Cloud and Workfront highlights the critical technical proficiencies required for this role within an operational marketing context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Excellence: A commitment to producing innovative, high-quality visual solutions that meet defined objectives.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with internal clients, colleagues, and student staff to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Adherence: Maintaining consistency and integrity with Barry University's established brand standards.

• Efficiency and Timeliness: Managing projects effectively to meet deadlines and deliver within estimated timelines.

• Continuous Learning: Staying current with design software, industry trends, and visual communication best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric: Working closely with internal marketing clients to understand their needs and deliver designs that effectively serve their communication goals.

• Team-Oriented: Engaging with the broader Marketing and Brand department, sharing ideas, and contributing to a supportive creative environment.

• Mentorship-Focused: Guiding and developing student staff, providing constructive feedback and fostering a learning atmosphere.

• Feedback Integration: Open to receiving and acting upon constructive feedback from clients and supervisors to refine designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration, client service, and mentorship points to a supportive and growth-oriented team culture within the university's marketing operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing the demands of various clients and projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

• Adapting to Diverse Needs: Designing for a wide range of university departments, each with unique communication objectives and target audiences.

• Incorporating Feedback: Navigating potentially subjective feedback and revisions while maintaining design integrity and meeting client expectations.

• Staying Current with Trends: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving digital design trends and software updates in a professional setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Experience: Gaining practical experience in a professional marketing department, working on real-world projects for a recognized institution.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced design and marketing professionals within the department and guiding student staff.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to develop expertise in various design applications and potentially explore new areas like motion graphics or UX/UI design.

• Professional Network: Building connections within the university and potentially attending industry events or workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an entry-level design role, emphasizing the need for strong organizational skills and adaptability. The growth opportunities are geared towards skill development and gaining professional experience within an established institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process from receiving a brief to delivering final assets. How do you ensure you meet client objectives?" (Focus on workflow, client communication, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback on your designs, especially if you disagree with it?" (Assess adaptability, professionalism, and collaborative spirit.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in graphic design for a university like Barry University?" (Show research into the institution and alignment with its mission.)

• "How would you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working with student staff?" (Highlight teamwork and mentorship aptitude.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design choices, the problem you were solving, and the impact of your work.

• Showcase Process Artifacts: Include sketches, mood boards, or wireframes if they illustrate your creative thinking and problem-solving journey.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with specific Adobe Creative Cloud tools and any other relevant software.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that best align with the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description (e.g., print collateral, digital assets).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating foundational design skills, a strong understanding of the design process, excellent communication, and a genuine interest in contributing to Barry University's marketing efforts.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://barryu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/BarryUStudentJobs/job/Miami-Shores--Main-Campus/Graphic-Designer_R0007649

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that best showcase your skills in print and digital design, layout, typography, and creative concept development. Ensure it highlights your ability to work within brand guidelines.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer experience related to graphic design, Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, and any project management or client interaction experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, clearly articulating your design process, rationale, and any outcomes for each project. Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and collaborate.

• Research Barry University: Familiarize yourself with Barry University's mission, brand identity, and recent marketing materials to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the institution.

⚠️ 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.