Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Brigham Young University Location: Provo, UT Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Marketing & Communications Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-22 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is responsible for developing creative visual assets to support the communication and branding efforts of the BYU College of Humanities, focusing on student-focused PR campaigns.
• The Graphic Designer will collaborate with a team, including student employees, to produce high-quality designs for both print and digital mediums, contributing to the overall brand storytelling.
• Key responsibilities include managing multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining design standards across various college publications and digital platforms.
• This position offers a unique opportunity to mentor student designers, fostering their development in design principles and practices within a university setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the context provided (working with PR campaigns, alumni magazines, print publications, social media, and digital messaging for a university college) strongly suggests a role that intersects with marketing operations and communications strategy, requiring an understanding of how design supports broader organizational goals and audience engagement. The part-time nature (17.5 hrs/week) indicates a support role rather than a primary strategic leadership position within a larger operations team, but still requires operational efficiency and project management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling and on-brand graphic designs for the College of Humanities' semiannual alumni magazine, various print publications, social media content, and other digital messaging platforms.
• Collaborate effectively with other graphic designers, editors, art directors, faculty, and management to ensure design concepts align with messaging objectives and university brand guidelines.
• Manage the end-to-end design process for assigned projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to deadlines for all print and digital deliverables.
• Conduct thorough reviews and archiving of proofs with stakeholders, incorporating feedback to refine designs and maintain quality standards.
• Stay current with emerging trends, techniques, and innovations in graphic design, multimedia, and digital communication to enhance the College's visual output.
• Mentor and guide student employees in design principles, software proficiency, and project execution, fostering a collaborative and developmental environment.
• Prepare professional illustrations and promotional materials for both print and digital formats, ensuring visual consistency and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management and collaboration skills, essential for operations professionals. The emphasis on "timely project completion," "review and archive proofs," and "maintain awareness of new techniques" points to a need for efficient workflow management and continuous improvement, core tenets of operations. The mentoring aspect adds a leadership development component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.
• Alternatively, equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record in both print and digital design formats.
• Or, a minimum of six (6) years of comprehensive professional graphic design experience if a Bachelor's degree is not held.
• Demonstrated experience in brand storytelling through digital media and print is highly preferred.
• Experience collaborating with and providing guidance or mentorship to student designers or junior team members is a significant plus.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Comprehensive knowledge of graphic design principles, including typography, layout, composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Adobe Creative Suite Expertise: High proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is essential for creating and manipulating design assets.
• Digital Media Design: Skill in designing for various digital platforms, including social media, websites, and email campaigns, understanding aspect ratios and optimization.
• Print Design & Production: Understanding of print production processes, including pre-press requirements, file preparation, and working with printers.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams, take feedback, and articulate design decisions.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines consistently in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative Self-Starter: Proactive approach to design, with the ability to generate original ideas and take initiative.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced Design Software: Familiarity with other design or multimedia software such as Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, or Figma.
• Illustration Skills: Ability to produce professional illustrations using various mediums, both digital and traditional.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Basic understanding of how designs are implemented on web platforms or CMS.
• Brand Management: Experience contributing to and maintaining brand consistency across multiple touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical skills required (Adobe Creative Suite) are standard for design roles but are critical for efficient workflow and deliverable quality, aligning with operational excellence. The "creative self-starter" and "take and incorporate feedback" elements speak to the adaptability and collaborative nature expected in operations support roles. The preferred experience with student mentorship indicates a potential for leadership development within the team structure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency in both print and digital media.
• Projects should highlight your ability to translate communication objectives into effective visual narratives.
• Include examples of work that demonstrate strong layout and composition skills, effective typography usage, and creative problem-solving.
• Showcase projects that reflect an understanding of brand guidelines and how to maintain visual consistency across different applications.
• Examples of social media graphics, magazine layouts (print or digital), and promotional materials are highly encouraged.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated, candidates are expected to manage their design workflow efficiently. This implies a need for:
• Workflow Design: Ability to structure a personal design process from brief to final delivery, including concept development, feedback incorporation, and file preparation.
• Project Tracking: Methods for keeping track of multiple projects, deadlines, and revisions, ensuring no detail is missed.
• File Management: Organized approach to saving, archiving, and version control of design files, crucial for collaborative environments and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is standard for design roles. However, for an operations-focused enhancement, we infer that the portfolio should also implicitly demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage projects efficiently, adhere to processes (even if self-defined), and deliver consistent, high-quality outputs, which are all operational strengths.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Typical Starting Pay: $30.50 to $39.75 per hour.
• This range reflects the Part-Time Graphic Designer position (17.5 hours/week) at Brigham Young University, based on the provided pay grade and typical starting compensation. The specific hourly rate will be determined by the candidate's experience and qualifications within this band.

Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Comprehensive support services available to the employee and all members of their household.
• Access to BYU Library: Full access to the university's extensive library resources, beneficial for research and professional development.
• Free On-Campus Parking: Convenient and cost-saving parking for employees working at the campus location.
• Free UTA Pass: Unlimited access to the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) services, offering a sustainable and affordable commuting option.
• Employee Discounts: Special discounts at the BYU Store and on many BYU-hosted events and activities, enhancing the employee experience.

Working Hours:

• Part-Time: Approximately 17.5 hours per week.
• Schedule: A regular, in-office schedule is required, implying a need for consistent availability during standard business hours, though specific days and times may be flexible and negotiated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, and the "typical starting pay" suggests a standard compensation structure. The benefits listed are substantial for a part-time role and emphasize employee well-being and access to university resources, which can be attractive to professionals seeking a supportive work environment. The "regular, in-office schedule" requirement is a key operational constraint.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University) Company Size: Brigham Young University is a large institution with a significant number of employees and students, operating within the higher education sector. This scale implies established processes and a structured environment. Founded: Brigham Young University was founded in 1875. Its long history and deep roots in its founding principles shape its enduring culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Digital Media and Communications (DMaC) team within the BYU College of Humanities.
• This team includes other graphic designers and works collaboratively with student employees, fostering a mix of experienced professionals and emerging talent.
• The role involves interaction with faculty, editors, art directors, and management within the College, indicating a cross-functional operational ecosystem.

Methodology:

• The DMaC team likely employs a structured approach to creative project management, balancing artistic vision with institutional objectives and brand consistency.
• Emphasis is placed on contributing to the College’s brand storytelling through digital media and print, suggesting a strategic approach to content creation.
• The university's mission influences all operations, creating a culture that values service, faith, and academic excellence.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The university setting implies a structured, process-driven environment where adherence to policies and brand standards is crucial. The College of Humanities context suggests a focus on communication, arts, and cultural content. The collaborative nature with student employees points to a mentorship culture, which can be beneficial for professional development. The religious affiliation of the university is a significant cultural factor.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, requiring 2-5 years of professional experience. It offers a blend of creative execution and operational responsibility in managing design projects and collaborating with teams. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Lead Designer, Art Director, or Communications Manager within the College of Humanities' DMaC team. They will also work with and mentor student employees. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the College of Humanities' external perception and internal communication effectiveness. High-quality visuals are critical for student recruitment, alumni engagement, and the overall brand image, thus contributing to the College's operational success and outreach.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital illustration, motion graphics, advanced layout) through project work and potentially professional development.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Develop leadership and training skills by mentoring student designers, which can be a stepping stone to more senior or supervisory roles in operations.
• Project Management Acumen: Enhance project management capabilities by handling multiple concurrent projects with varying deadlines and stakeholder requirements.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various departments and communication strategies within the College of Humanities, broadening understanding of university operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a designer in an operations context often involves honing project management, process optimization, and stakeholder management skills. The mentoring aspect is a key differentiator for growth in leadership and team management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "on-site," meaning it is based within the Brigham Young University campus in Provo, UT. This indicates a traditional office setting with access to university facilities. Office Location(s): The specific office will be within the Joseph F Smith Building on the BYU campus in Provo, UT. This location offers a vibrant academic environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities to work closely with other designers, editors, and student assistants.
• Tools & Technology: Access to university IT infrastructure, design software, and potentially a dedicated design studio or shared creative space equipped with the necessary tools.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the DMaC team and other College of Humanities staff, facilitating knowledge sharing and a supportive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time, approximately 17.5 hours per week.
• A regular, in-office schedule is required, suggesting consistent on-site presence during university operating hours. Specific days and times may offer some flexibility but will need to align with team needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for operations roles that benefit from direct collaboration and access to physical resources. The university campus environment provides a structured and resource-rich setting, with potential for a stable work schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of graphic design projects via the Workday application portal. Ensure all required documents are attached.
• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will involve a review of submitted portfolios to assess design skills, creativity, and relevance of past work.
• Interviews: Candidates may undergo one or more interviews, which could include:
  • A discussion with hiring managers and team members to assess fit, experience, and collaborative potential.
  • A practical design exercise or case study to evaluate problem-solving skills and design approach.
  • A review of specific portfolio pieces to discuss design choices, processes, and outcomes.
• Mentorship Discussion: Potential discussion around experience or aptitude for mentoring student employees.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Pieces: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate a range of skills (print, digital, social media, illustration).
• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the design process, challenges faced, and the outcome or impact. Use concise, impactful descriptions.
• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), layout, composition, and typography.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: If possible, include examples of collaborative projects or explain your process for incorporating feedback.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a PDF or an online link.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand BYU's Brand: Familiarize yourself with BYU's visual identity and the specific branding of the College of Humanities.
• Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you approach design challenges, from initial concept to final execution, and how you handle feedback.
• Time Management: Think about how you prioritize tasks and manage your workload to meet deadlines, especially when juggling multiple projects.
• Mentorship Approach: Consider how you would guide and support student designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering their creative growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes showcasing practical skills and problem-solving abilities through the portfolio and potential exercises. For operations professionals, demonstrating efficient workflow, clear communication, and the ability to manage projects are key interview themes to prepare for.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout and publication design (magazines, print materials).
  • Adobe Photoshop: Critical for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Key for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
• File Management & Collaboration:
  • Likely utilize university-provided cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive) or internal servers for file sharing and archiving.
  • Project management tools may be used for task tracking, though not explicitly mentioned.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, understanding basic analytics for social media or web content is beneficial for optimizing digital designs.
• Experience with tools like Adobe Analytics or Google Analytics is a plus for understanding engagement metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core functions of this Graphic Designer role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable and forms the core technical requirement of the role. The ability to manage digital assets and collaborate effectively through file management systems is an operational necessity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Dedication: Aligned with BYU's mission to be an exceptional university; this translates to a commitment to high-quality design and effective communication.
• Collaboration & Mentorship: Fostering a supportive team environment where professionals and students work together, share knowledge, and grow.
• Service & Impact: Contributing to the College of Humanities' mission and enhancing its outreach and engagement through impactful visual communication.
• Efficiency & Organization: Managing multiple projects effectively to meet deadlines and maintain brand consistency, reflecting operational discipline.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with editors, writers, faculty, and other stakeholders to align visual design with content and strategic goals.
• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from team members and stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project success.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing of design techniques, industry trends, and best practices within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, and service, rooted in the university's mission, suggests a team culture that is both professionally rigorous and community-oriented. This is important for understanding team dynamics and communication expectations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Effectively translating creative ideas while adhering strictly to BYU and College of Humanities brand standards. This requires both artistic flair and operational discipline.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling diverse requests and feedback from various departments, faculty, and students, requiring strong communication and prioritization skills.
• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving design software, digital platforms, and communication trends to maintain relevance and effectiveness.
• Mentoring Student Employees: Developing effective strategies for guiding and critiquing the work of student designers, ensuring their growth while maintaining project quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply new design software features, illustration styles, or digital media techniques through project work.
• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to current trends in higher education marketing and communications, and how design contributes to these efforts.
• Mentorship Training: Developing skills in leadership, feedback delivery, and team development through the experience of mentoring student designers.
• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gaining insight into the operational needs and communication strategies of various departments within the College of Humanities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented highlight the need for strong operational skills such as time management, stakeholder management, and adaptability, alongside creative talent. The growth opportunities lean into developing leadership and specialized design expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem-Solving: "Describe your process for creating a design from concept to final delivery. Walk me through a challenging project and how you navigated it." (Focus on workflow, problem-solving, and stakeholder management).
• Collaboration & Feedback: "How do you approach collaborating with team members who have different aesthetic preferences or priorities? How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Highlight your ability to work in a team and incorporate feedback effectively).
• Mentorship Experience: "Describe your experience mentoring or guiding junior designers or students. What is your approach to providing feedback?" (Prepare to discuss your leadership and teaching style).
• BYU/College of Humanities Context: "What do you know about BYU's mission and the College of Humanities? How do you see your design work supporting these objectives?" (Research the university and college's goals and values).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Brigham Young University and this specific role?"
• "How do you align with teams that have strong cultural or religious values?"
• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple competing deadlines?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Concise and Clear: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the process, and the outcome. Aim for 1-2 minutes per project.
• Highlight Operations: When discussing your process, emphasize how you managed timelines, incorporated feedback, and ensured project completion.
• Showcase Software Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss the tools you used and why.
• Demonstrate Adaptability: If discussing a project that evolved based on feedback, highlight your ability to adapt and refine your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for questions that probe your systematic approach to design, your ability to manage projects and stakeholders, and your fit within the university's specific culture will be key. Demonstrating operational thinking in your responses is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Application: Navigate to the provided Workday link and submit your application.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant graphic design projects that showcase print, digital, and social media work. Ensure it highlights your skills in Adobe Creative Suite, layout, and typography.
• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to emphasize your experience in graphic design, project management, collaboration, and any mentorship or leadership activities. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, how you handle feedback, your project management strategies, and your approach to mentoring student designers. Be ready to discuss your portfolio pieces in detail.
• Research BYU & College of Humanities: Understand the university's mission, values, and the specific goals of the College of Humanities. This will help you tailor your cover letter and interview responses to demonstrate cultural fit and alignment.

⚠️ 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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