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: May 05, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute innovative print and digital visual solutions to support Barry University's marketing and branding objectives, contributing to enrollment growth, retention, and reputation enhancement.

• Manage the end-to-end creative production process for marketing communications, from initial concept and project estimation to final delivery and approval, ensuring alignment with brand standards.

• Collaborate effectively with internal marketing clients, the Art Director, Communications team, copywriters, and external vendors to deliver high-quality creative assets.

• Maintain a strong understanding of design software, visual communication trends, and brand guidelines to ensure creative excellence and consistency across all projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description is for a Graphic Designer, this enhancement focuses on the "operations" aspects of the role, particularly how design execution supports broader marketing and communication strategies. This includes project management, workflow adherence, and ensuring brand consistency, which are critical operational functions within a creative department. The "Category" has been refined to reflect this operational context within a marketing framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design a wide array of creative assets, including traditional print materials (collateral, on-site signage, out-of-home advertising) and digital media (web graphics, social media assets, email templates).

• Master the use of design applications, primarily within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, for layout, production, photo retouching, and image archiving.

• Apply a strong understanding of color theory, typography, page composition, and grid structures to create visually compelling and effective designs.

• Provide accurate time and cost estimates for printing, proofing, and delivery of creative projects, liaising with vendors and internal stakeholders.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring strict adherence to deadlines, deliverable specifications, client briefs, and feedback, utilizing project management systems like Workfront.

• Mentor and guide student staff within the Barry Ad Company, fostering a collaborative and educational environment for emerging design talent.

• Actively participate in departmental staff and creative meetings, contributing to the development of creative solutions and workflow optimization.

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

• Proactively identify and address other duties as assigned or as opportunities arise to enhance departmental efficiency and creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the operational aspects of a graphic design role within a university marketing department. This includes project management, stakeholder collaboration, process adherence (deadlines, briefs), and the mentoring component, which is a key operational function in educational settings.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: High School Diploma or GED.

• Required: Associate’s Degree, Vocational, or Technical School Degree in Advertising, Communication Design, or Visual Arts.

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Mastery of design applications within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Proficiency in layout and production design principles.

• Understanding of photo selection, retouching, and image archiving processes.

• Knowledge of color theory, typography, page composition, and grid structures.

• Project management skills, including managing multiple tasks and adhering to deadlines.

• Strong visual communication and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to accept and implement feedback and revisions effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project management systems (e.g., Workfront).

• Mentoring or leadership experience, particularly with student teams.

• Familiarity with both print and digital design best practices.

• Experience assisting with photo/video shoots.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to highlight the operational requirements and the entry-level nature of the role. Skills are categorized as "Required" and "Preferred" to guide candidates. The emphasis on core design software proficiency and project management aligns with operational needs for efficient asset creation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating proficiency in both print and digital design.

• Include examples of layout, typography, and color application across various mediums.

• Present projects that illustrate an understanding of brand guidelines and how to apply them consistently.

• Demonstrate ability to execute design based on client briefs and incorporate feedback through revision examples if possible.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial brief interpretation to final file delivery.

• Be prepared to discuss how they manage project timelines and communicate with stakeholders regarding deliverables and approvals.

• Demonstrate an understanding of quality control in design production, ensuring accuracy and adherence to specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level design role, a formal "portfolio requirement" is standard. This section translates that into actionable advice, emphasizing the process of design and how it's demonstrated, which is crucial for understanding an applicant's operational workflow and ability to follow instructions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Retirement savings plan/program.

• Tuition assistance for employees.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Access to wellness programs and initiatives.

• Support for spirituality in the workplace.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• This role is on-campus, requiring adherence to standard university operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on industry benchmarks for entry-level graphic designers in the specified location and sector. The benefits are listed directly from the provided text and are framed to highlight their value for operations professionals seeking stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

Company Size: Barry University is a mid-sized institution, typically employing between 1,000-5,000 individuals. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for cross-departmental interaction.

Founded: Barry University was founded in 1940, indicating a long-standing history and established presence in the educational landscape. This longevity often translates to a stable organizational culture with deep-rooted traditions and strong community values.

Team Structure:

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

• This team likely operates with a creative director or art director overseeing design operations, alongside account managers, copywriters, and potentially marketing specialists.

Methodology:

• The department focuses on creating assets that align with brand standards and support institutional goals like enrollment and retention.

• Design projects are managed through a system (e.g., Workfront), emphasizing structured workflow, approvals, and timely delivery.

• Creative solutions are developed through a combination of individual design work, team collaboration, and client feedback loops.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been enriched with typical characteristics of a university environment. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on the role's placement within a marketing department and the mention of specific systems, highlighting operational aspects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as entry-level, suitable for individuals with foundational design education and minimal professional experience. It focuses on executing creative tasks under guidance and learning established operational processes within a marketing department.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to an Art Director or a similar creative lead within the Marketing and Brand department, and also works closely with the Barry Ad Company structure, potentially mentoring student staff.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the university's external perception and internal communication effectiveness. High-quality, on-brand visual assets are crucial for attracting prospective students, retaining current students, and fostering a positive university image, thereby contributing to key institutional operational goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital illustration, motion graphics, UX/UI design) through project work and potential training.

• Process Mastery: Develop advanced project management skills by consistently using Workfront and managing complex creative workflows.

• Leadership Potential: Gain experience mentoring student designers, which can be a stepping stone to future team lead or supervisory roles in creative operations.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work across various university departments, understanding their unique communication needs and contributing to broader institutional marketing strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the operational career trajectory for a graphic designer. It emphasizes how foundational roles contribute to broader institutional goals and outlines specific growth paths related to skill development, process improvement, and leadership within creative operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-campus, full-time, requiring physical presence at the Miami Shores Main Campus.

Office Location(s): Miami Shores, Florida, United States, specifically at the Main Campus.

Workspace Context:

• The role is within a university marketing department, likely offering a collaborative office environment with access to standard creative tools and technologies.

• Opportunities for interaction with other creative professionals, marketing teams, and potentially student staff.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) are expected, aligning with university operational schedules.

• While the core hours are fixed, there may be occasional flexibility depending on project demands, but the role is fundamentally on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description focuses on the operational implications of an on-campus, full-time role within a university setting, including collaboration, workspace resources, and adherence to a structured schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume, cover letter, and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative capability.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, project rationale, and how they manage creative execution and feedback. This assesses operational workflow and communication.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A practical exercise may be given to evaluate design skills, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to brand guidelines under time constraints.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion with the Art Director and potentially other team members to gauge cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of marketing objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate a portfolio that clearly demonstrates a range of skills relevant to the job description (print, digital, branding).

• For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the process you followed, and the outcome.

• Highlight projects that showcase your ability to work within brand guidelines and adapt to client feedback.

• Ensure digital portfolios are easily navigable and professional.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Barry University's brand identity and recent marketing materials.

• Practice creating design concepts quickly based on hypothetical briefs.

• Be ready to articulate your design decisions and workflow under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice for candidates on navigating the interview process for a graphic design role, with a focus on demonstrating operational capabilities through their portfolio and during practical assessments.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign. Proficiency is a core requirement for visual asset creation and manipulation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with or ability to quickly learn systems like Workfront for workflow tracking, task management, and approvals.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing) is an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the essential software and tools expected for the role, focusing on the operational necessity of design software and project management systems for efficient workflow execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Excellence: A commitment to producing high-quality, innovative, and effective visual communications.

• Brand Stewardship: Upholding and enhancing Barry University's brand identity through consistent and impactful design.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, clients, and external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Managing projects effectively to meet deadlines and deliver assets within specified timelines.

• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with design trends, software advancements, and best practices in visual communication.

Collaboration Style:

• The team fosters a collaborative environment where designers work closely with marketers, copywriters, and account managers.

• Open communication and feedback are encouraged to refine creative solutions and ensure alignment with project objectives.

• The role involves mentoring student staff, promoting knowledge sharing and skill development within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the expected cultural values and collaboration styles within the creative operations team, framing them in terms of how they impact daily work and project execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that strictly adhere to university brand guidelines and institutional objectives.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling feedback and requirements from various university departments, each with potentially different priorities.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Design Trends: Continuously adapting design skills and software knowledge to meet current visual communication standards.

• Entry-Level Experience Gap: Overcoming the limited professional experience requirement by demonstrating strong foundational skills and a proactive learning attitude.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to university-provided training programs, workshops, and potential tuition assistance for further education.

• On-the-Job Learning: Gaining practical experience across a wide range of design projects and working directly with experienced marketing professionals.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers and marketing staff, and developing mentoring skills by guiding student staff.

• Industry Exposure: Potential opportunities to attend design conferences or workshops relevant to higher education marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges specific to an entry-level graphic designer role within a university, paired with concrete growth and learning opportunities relevant to operations and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from initial concept to final deliverable." (Focus on workflow, communication, and tool usage).

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand standards while still being creative and impactful?" (Assess understanding of brand operations and creative problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in higher education and specifically at Barry University?" (Assess cultural fit and understanding of the university's mission).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a collaborative creative team environment?" (Gauge teamwork and interpersonal skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by the design process.

• For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your specific contribution, the tools/techniques used, and the outcome.

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

• Emphasize how your work supports broader communication and marketing goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tailored interview preparation advice, including example questions that probe operational thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, crucial for success in a creative operations role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize your resume: Highlight any relevant coursework, personal projects, or internships that demonstrate your foundational graphic design skills and any experience with project management or client interaction. Use keywords from the job description such as "Adobe Creative Cloud," "layout design," and "visual communication."

• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest design pieces that showcase your versatility in both print and digital mediums. Ensure it's easily accessible online and clearly demonstrates your ability to follow briefs and incorporate feedback.

• Prepare your portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your selected projects, explaining your process, rationale, and any challenges overcome. Be ready to articulate how your design skills can support Barry University's marketing and branding objectives.

• Research Barry University: Familiarize yourself with their mission, brand identity, and recent marketing campaigns to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview.

⚠️ 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.