Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer I

Company: California State University, Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for the artistic and graphic design of print and multimedia materials, ensuring visual communication of desired impact and message.

• Utilizes design and production elements across various mediums including print, digital, and social media marketing.

• Supports classroom instruction, exhibits, training sessions, videos, and public information projects with visually compelling content.

• Contributes expertise in developing and evaluating effective communication strategies and techniques for diverse internal and external audiences.

• Must reside in the State of California and adhere to the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified as a Graphic Designer I, indicating an entry to mid-level position within a university setting. The "temporary appointment" status with potential for extension or permanency suggests an initial evaluation period. The emphasis on diverse media and communication strategies points towards a broad scope of design responsibilities beyond traditional print.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and create a wide range of print and digital materials, including brochures, flyers, posters, social media graphics, web banners, and presentation slides.

• Develop visual concepts for classroom lectures, exhibits, training sessions, and public information projects.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand project objectives, target audiences, and messaging requirements.

• Apply fundamental foundations of design, layout, and typography to produce aesthetically pleasing and effective visual communications.

• Prepare electronic files for print production and digital deployment, ensuring adherence to specifications and brand guidelines.

• Maintain currency with applicable computer software packages and systems, particularly within the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Contribute to the development and evaluation of effective communication strategies and techniques.

• Ensure all design work aligns with the university's brand identity and messaging standards.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Participate in constructive conversations regarding design concepts, professional development, and project feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and strategic communication input, common in university marketing and communications departments. The mention of "classroom instruction" and "public information projects" indicates a focus on educational and outreach initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Experience: Paid experience in the graphic design field, specifically preparing electronic and printed graphic materials. Minimum of 2-5 years of relevant professional experience is inferred based on the "Graphic Designer I" title and responsibilities.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Strong understanding of fundamental foundations of design, layout, and typography.

• Experience preparing electronic and printed graphic materials such as displays, layout design for websites, brochures, descriptive charts, and presentations.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication skills, including participation in constructive conversations on design concepts.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and team-oriented atmosphere.

• Demonstrated ability and/or interest in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography experience.

• Knowledge of website design principles.

• Understanding of the different social media platforms and their design considerations.

• Portfolio of sample work demonstrating a range of design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required software proficiency is specific and critical for this role. The emphasis on cultural competence and the ability to work in a multicultural environment is a common requirement in public educational institutions. The preferred skills suggest areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency in print, digital, and multimedia applications.

• Specific examples of work prepared for educational or public outreach contexts, if available.

• Visual representation of design process, including concept development and final execution.

• Demonstrations of layout design for websites, brochures, presentations, and other collateral.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate design processes, from initial concept to final delivery, including project management steps.

• Understanding of file preparation workflows for both print (e.g., CMYK, bleed, resolution) and digital (e.g., RGB, file formats, optimization) outputs.

• Experience in collaborating with team members or stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle.

• Familiarity with version control or file management practices for design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on showcasing not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to translate project needs into effective visual communication and to manage the design process efficiently within an institutional framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $4,570 - $6,658 per month. This translates to an annual salary range of approximately $54,840 - $79,896.

Benefits:

• As part of the California State University system, employees typically receive a comprehensive benefits package. While specific details are not provided in the listing, these often include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., CalPERS).

  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

  • Potential for professional development and training opportunities.

  • Access to university facilities and resources. Working Hours: Full-Time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided monthly. The note about residency in California is a critical condition of employment. Benefits are typical for state employment in California but should be confirmed directly with the university. The role is non-exempt, meaning overtime pay may apply according to state and federal labor laws.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Public University System. California State University (CSU) is one of the largest university systems in the United States, focused on providing accessible and affordable higher education.

Company Size: Part of the California State University system, which comprises 23 campuses and serves over 480,000 students. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) is a large public university.

Founded: California State University, Los Angeles was founded in 1947.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the VP Student Life, indicating a placement within a division focused on student services, engagement, and support.

• The role is part of a team that likely includes other creative professionals, communications specialists, or administrative staff supporting student life initiatives.

Methodology:

• Design methodology will likely involve a user-centered approach, focusing on communicating effectively with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

• Emphasis on clear, concise, and visually engaging communication to support student success, campus events, and programmatic outreach.

• Adherence to university branding guidelines and accessibility standards will be a core part of the design process.

• Data-informed design decisions may be employed, using audience feedback or engagement metrics to refine visual communications.

Company Website: California State University, Los Angeles

📝 Enhancement Note: The placement under VP Student Life suggests the design work will heavily support student-facing initiatives. The university context implies a mission-driven environment with a focus on education, community, and diversity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Graphic Designer I. This level typically involves executing design tasks under general supervision, developing foundational skills, and contributing to established design projects. It's an early- to mid-career stage for a designer.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the VP Student Life. This senior leadership position suggests that design work is strategically important for the division's objectives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the division's ability to communicate its offerings, engage students, and promote campus events and services. Effective visual communication is crucial for student recruitment, retention, and overall campus experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to higher Graphic Designer levels (e.g., Graphic Designer II, Senior Graphic Designer) within the university system, potentially with increased project scope and leadership responsibilities.

• Specialization in specific design areas such as digital media, web design, or branding.

• Opportunities for professional development through university-provided training, workshops, or external educational resources.

• Potential to transition into related roles like Marketing Coordinator, Communications Specialist, or Art Director within higher education or other sectors.

• Gaining experience in a large, complex organizational structure like the CSU system can open doors to diverse career paths.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a "Graphic Designer" role and not strictly "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations," the enhancement focuses on the transferable skills and career path within a large organization. The "I" designation implies a growth trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at California State University, Los Angeles.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. Specific building or department location within the campus is not detailed.

Workspace Context:

• Likely a shared office space or a dedicated design studio environment within the VP Student Life division.

• Access to standard office equipment, computers, and relevant design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for collaboration with colleagues within the division, including potentially other creative staff, program managers, and administrative support.

• The environment will be characteristic of a university campus, with a mix of administrative, academic, and student-centric activities.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday) with a focus on meeting deadlines, which may occasionally require flexible scheduling or overtime if applicable for non-exempt staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is firm, with specific residency mandated within California. The environment is professional and collaborative, typical of a university campus setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Complete the online Cal State LA employment application thoroughly. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. A portfolio review is highly probable at this stage or shortly after.

• Interview(s): Candidates may undergo one or more interviews. This could include meetings with the hiring manager (VP Student Life), potential team members, and other relevant stakeholders. Expect questions about design philosophy, problem-solving approaches, and experience with specific project types.

• Skills Assessment/Work Sample: A practical design exercise or a more in-depth portfolio presentation may be required to assess design skills, creativity, and ability to meet project requirements under a deadline.

• Background Check: A satisfactory background check, including a criminal records check, is mandatory.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest and most relevant work. For this role, highlight projects for educational institutions, non-profits, or those targeting diverse audiences.

• Demonstrate Process: Include 1-3 case studies that walk through your design process from brief to final output. Explain your rationale, problem-solving steps, and how you met client objectives.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio visually demonstrates your mastery of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Variety is Key: Include examples of print collateral (brochures, posters), digital assets (social media graphics, web banners), and presentation design.

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio digitally (PDF or online link), ensuring it's easy to navigate and visually appealing. Be prepared to discuss each piece confidently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that might involve creating a graphic for a hypothetical student event or campus initiative.

• Focus on understanding the target audience (students, faculty, community) and the communication goal.

• Prepare to articulate your design choices, explaining how your solution addresses the brief and aligns with university branding.

• Practice time management for design exercises to ensure you can deliver a complete concept within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a completed online application and the exclusion of resumes highlights administrative rigor. The portfolio is crucial and should be tailored to the university's mission and audience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster graphics creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and scalable artwork.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout and design of print and digital publications (brochures, flyers, reports).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly PowerPoint for presentation design, and Word for document formatting.

• Google Workspace: Potentially used for collaborative documents, presentations, and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding basic web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) and social media engagement metrics can inform design effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRMs could be beneficial for digital campaigns.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for website updates might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is a key technical requirement. Other tools are inferred based on the typical university environment and the need to produce varied digital and print assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service-Oriented: A strong commitment to supporting student life initiatives and the university community through effective visual communication.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team structure and with various university departments to achieve common goals.

• Creativity & Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas and modern design approaches to enhance communication and engagement.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Delivering high-quality work within deadlines to meet program needs and event schedules.

• Cultural Competence: Designing with an awareness and respect for the diverse multicultural/multiethnic environment of the university.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged, particularly regarding design concepts and project requirements.

• Cross-functional collaboration with program coordinators, marketing staff, and administrative personnel involved in student life events and services.

• A team-oriented approach where designers contribute to shared project goals and support each other's work.

• Willingness to engage in discussions about design rationale and to adapt designs based on stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize service to the university community and collaborative problem-solving, typical of public sector and educational institutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Designing for a wide array of stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, external partners) with varying communication needs and expectations.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining adherence to university branding guidelines while also developing creative and impactful designs for diverse campaigns.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, common in a dynamic university setting with frequent events and initiatives.

• Technological Adaptation: Keeping up-to-date with evolving design software, digital platforms, and multimedia trends.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively gathering requirements and managing feedback from various individuals who may have different visions for design projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software, explore new design techniques (e.g., motion graphics, UX/UI basics), or learn about emerging media.

• Industry Exposure: Attending workshops, webinars, or potentially conferences relevant to higher education marketing and design.

• Cross-Departmental Learning: Understanding the strategic goals of the VP Student Life division and other university departments to better inform design solutions.

• Mentorship: Potential for informal mentorship from senior team members or managers within the university structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around common design role issues, contextualized within a university setting. Growth opportunities focus on skill development and understanding the broader institutional context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial concept to final delivery. How do you ensure it meets the client's objectives and resonates with the target audience?" (Focus on project management, stakeholder communication, and audience analysis).

• "How do you approach staying current with design trends and integrating new techniques or software into your workflow?" (Highlight continuous learning, adaptability, and software exploration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to working for California State University, Los Angeles, and specifically within the VP Student Life division?" (Research CSULA's mission, values, and student life programs).

• "How do you demonstrate cultural competence in your design work, especially when catering to a diverse student population?" (Provide examples of inclusive design practices or awareness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, narrate the problem, your solution, and the impact. Don't just show the final image.

• Relevance: Emphasize projects that align with the university's mission, student-focused initiatives, or diverse audiences.

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your software choices and techniques used in each project.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on your strongest pieces and key takeaways. Have additional work ready if requested.

• Visual Engagement: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing and professional, mirroring the quality of your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on demonstrating design process, technical skills, cultural fit, and the ability to communicate effectively about design choices within an educational institution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your completed online Cal State LA employment application through the provided link.

Do not submit a resume in lieu of the application.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best work, emphasizing print, digital, and multimedia design. Include 1-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your process and problem-solving skills. Tailor examples to educational or diverse audience contexts if possible.

• Resume Optimization (if applicable for supplementary information): While not accepted in lieu of the application, ensure any supplementary materials clearly highlight your proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, your experience with layout and typography, and your ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design philosophy, project management approach, and how you handle feedback. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your skills and cultural competence. Be ready to present your portfolio and potentially complete a design exercise.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research California State University, Los Angeles, its mission, values, and the scope of the VP Student Life division. Understand how your design contributions can support the university's educational goals and student engagement efforts.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding benefits, specific team structure, and exact interview stages, should be verified directly with California State University, Los Angeles.