Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Hume City Council

Location: Broadmeadows, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Contract

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level to Mid-Level (0-2 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on managing and executing the visual identity of Hume City Council across all communication channels, ensuring brand consistency and clarity.

• Responsibilities include creating engaging graphic assets for both print and digital platforms, supporting internal stakeholders with their communication needs.

• The position involves brand governance, maintaining design standards, and collaborating with internal teams and external vendors to deliver high-quality visual content.

• This is a part-time, fixed-term contract opportunity within the Strategic Communications team, contributing to the Council's engagement with its diverse community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level is inferred from the lack of explicit experience requirements and the nature of the responsibilities, which often suit early to mid-career professionals in design. The role is categorized under Marketing & Communications Operations due to its focus on brand management, asset creation, and supporting organizational communications, which often fall under the operational umbrella of a marketing or communications department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand Management & Governance:

  • Oversee and enforce Hume City Council's corporate identity and brand guidelines across all materials.
  • Develop and maintain brand templates, procedures, and documentation to ensure consistent visual communication.
  • Provide expert advice and support to internal staff on the correct application of the Council's brand identity.
  • Monitor marketing and communications materials for brand compliance, identifying and resolving any discrepancies.
  • Manage relationships with external graphic designers and maintain a preferred supplier list for outsourced design work.

• Graphic Design & Production:

  • Create high-quality, accessible, and brand-aligned designs for a variety of print and digital platforms.
  • Develop original design concepts demonstrating creativity, innovation, and technical proficiency.
  • Execute design production tasks including scanning, layout, desktop publishing, and electronic pre-press preparation.
  • Collaborate with external printers, paper suppliers, and agencies to ensure cost-effective and high-quality production outcomes.
  • Maintain design systems, processes, and policies to streamline and enhance design delivery efficiency.
  • Manage the production and timely distribution of Council's print materials (e.g., brochures, newsletters, pamphlets).
  • Implement thorough proofing, checking, and quality assurance processes for all design projects.

• Photography & Digital Asset Management:

  • Plan, arrange, and execute photography for Council's external communications and promotional materials.
  • Upload, tag, and maintain images within Council's digital asset management system.

• Organizational Support & Improvement:

  • Advise the organization on effective communication strategies and opportunities to enhance Council's profile.

  • Contribute to the development and refinement of communication policies, systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Support administrative tasks, including purchasing, invoice processing, and information management related to design projects.

  • Participate in local and regional networks to stay informed about emerging design trends and best practices.

  • Assist with Council events, functions, and activities as required, providing design and visual support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to reflect the dual nature of brand guardianship and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "ensuring all in-house designed materials meet Council's corporate identity, strategic objectives and Hume Values" and "Provide expert advice to staff" highlights a key operational function of brand enablement and support, not just creation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, with a portfolio showcasing a strong ability to produce both print and digital design assets.

• Experience in brand management, including understanding and applying brand guidelines, is essential.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and potentially other relevant design tools.

• Brand Management: Deep understanding of brand governance, corporate identity systems, and maintaining brand consistency.

• Print Design & Production: Strong knowledge of print processes, pre-press requirements, and working with printers.

• Digital Design: Experience creating assets for web, social media, email, and other digital platforms.

• Layout & Typography: Excellent skills in creating visually appealing layouts and effective use of typography.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, proofreading, and ensuring accuracy in all outputs.

• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal and written communication for interacting with internal clients and external suppliers.

• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with various stakeholders across the organization.

• Problem-Solving: Creative and practical approach to resolving design challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography: Experience in planning, executing, and editing organizational photography.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Familiarity with managing digital assets within a DAM system.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Basic understanding of how design assets are used within web or intranet platforms.

• Video Editing Basics: Familiarity with basic video editing for social media or internal communications.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of design principles related to accessibility (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific software like Adobe Creative Suite is implied for a Graphic Designer role, and mentioning "print and digital" work in the portfolio requirement points to a need for diverse skill sets. The emphasis on "brand governance" and "helping others use visual identity well" suggests a consultative aspect to the role, requiring strong communication and client-management skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Showcase: A well-organized portfolio that clearly demonstrates a range of graphic design capabilities across both print and digital media.

• Print Design Examples: Include examples of brochures, newsletters, flyers, annual reports, or other printed collateral that highlight layout, typography, and production readiness.

• Digital Design Examples: Showcase work for websites, social media campaigns, email newsletters, digital ads, or presentations, demonstrating an understanding of digital best practices.

• Brand Application: Portfolio pieces that illustrate the ability to apply and adapt a brand identity consistently across different project types.

• Conceptual Thinking: Examples that showcase creative problem-solving and original concept development, not just execution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss your typical design process, from brief intake and concept development to final delivery and production oversight.

• Brand Guideline Application: Clearly articulate how you have used or developed brand guidelines in previous roles.

• Project Management: Demonstrate an understanding of managing timelines, feedback loops, and multiple stakeholders within a design project lifecycle.

• Quality Assurance: Explain your approach to proofing, design review, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of final deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, a portfolio is paramount. The enhancement focuses on what should be in the portfolio and how the candidate should be prepared to discuss their process, aligning with operational expectations of structured workflow and quality control.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $81,672 per annum plus Superannuation.

Benefits:

• Superannuation: Employer contribution to a retirement savings fund, as mandated by Australian legislation.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning and skill enhancement, as suggested by the company's commitment to "progress over perfection" and "reflect and learn."

• Supportive Work Environment: A collaborative and inclusive culture guided by the Council's values.

• Meaningful Work: Opportunity to contribute to a diverse and growing community, making a tangible impact.

• Work-Life Balance: As a part-time role, it offers a structured work schedule that may allow for better personal time management.

• Public Sector/Local Government Benefits: Potential for job security, access to training programs, and alignment with public service values.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time, fixed-term contract role. The specific number of hours per week is not explicitly stated but is implied to be less than a standard full-time (40-hour) week. The salary indicates a pro-rata amount for a portion of a full-time workload.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly provided. The "plus Superannuation" is a standard Australian employment term. Benefits are inferred from the general company description and the nature of local government employment. The "part time" aspect of the contract is crucial for working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Local Government)

Company Size: Hume City Council is a significant local government authority in Victoria, Australia. While specific employee numbers aren't provided in the raw data, local councils typically employ hundreds to thousands of staff, indicating a large organizational structure. This size implies structured departments, established processes, and a diverse workforce.

Founded: Hume City Council has a long history as a municipal entity, with its current form stemming from amalgamations and evolving responsibilities in local governance. Understanding its history can provide context for its community focus and service delivery.

Team Structure:

• Strategic Communications Team: This role is part of the Strategic Communications team, suggesting a department focused on overarching communication strategies, brand management, and public engagement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Graphic Designer will likely collaborate extensively with various departments within Hume City Council, supporting their communication needs and ensuring brand consistency across all Council initiatives.

• Reporting: The role reports within the Strategic Communications team, likely to a Communications Manager or Team Leader, who oversees brand governance and marketing efforts.

Methodology:

• Community-Centric Approach: Hume City Council's operations are driven by serving its diverse community, with a strong emphasis on accessibility, engagement, and understanding community needs.

• Value-Driven Operations: The Council operates based on explicit values (Better Every Day, In It Together, Show Up, All for Hume), which guide decision-making, employee behavior, and service delivery.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, government organizations typically use data to inform strategic planning and service improvement. The graphic designer's work will support these data-driven communications.

Company Website: www.hume.vic.gov.au (inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and team context are derived from the "Why Hume City Council?" section and the general understanding of local government operations. The emphasis on community and values is critical for understanding the organizational context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to mid-level Graphic Designer within a larger organizational structure. It offers foundational experience in visual communications, brand management, and working within a government setting.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a manager or team leader within the Strategic Communications department. This provides a direct line of guidance and oversight, facilitating learning and development.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work has a direct impact on how Hume City Council communicates with its constituents. High-quality, consistent visual materials enhance public understanding of Council services, strengthen brand perception, and contribute to effective community engagement initiatives, all of which are critical operational outcomes for a local government.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of graphic design, such as digital campaign design, print production management, or brand system development.

• Broader Communications Experience: Exposure to various communication strategies and channels used by a large public sector organization.

• Portfolio Development: The diverse range of projects offers significant opportunities to build a robust and impressive professional portfolio.

• Internal Advancement: Potential to move into senior designer roles, specialized design positions, or even broader marketing and communications roles within Hume City Council or other government bodies, leveraging the experience gained.

• Networking: Building professional connections within the Council and potentially with external suppliers and industry peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are inferred from the nature of the role and the size of the organization. Emphasizing the impact on public perception and community engagement frames the role within operational success metrics for a local government.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role at Hume City Council's Broadmeadows location. This suggests a traditional office environment within a council building.

Office Location(s): 1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, Victoria, 3047, Australia. This is a specific, accessible location within the Hume municipality.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role is part of the Strategic Communications team and involves working with various internal departments, indicating a collaborative office setting.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment, likely including design software and hardware, and potentially a Digital Asset Management system.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with colleagues in the Communications team and other Council staff, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective effort.

Work Schedule:

• The role is part-time and fixed-term. While the exact hours aren't specified, it implies a structured work schedule that is less than full-time. This offers a degree of flexibility compared to a standard 9-to-5, full-time position, allowing for better integration of work and personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" nature is derived from remote_derived: false. The description of the office environment is based on typical local government settings and the collaborative nature of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume, cover letter, and a link to your design portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: Shortlisted candidates will have their portfolios reviewed by the hiring team to assess design skills, creativity, and suitability for the role's requirements.

• Interview Stage: Typically involves one or more interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the Strategic Communications team.

• Skills Assessment/Task: Candidates may be asked to complete a short design task or present specific pieces from their portfolio, demonstrating their approach to a given brief or problem.

• Reference Checks: Background and probity checks, including reference checks, Working with Children Check, and a Criminal Record Check, are mandatory.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose your strongest and most relevant pieces that directly address the requirements of the Graphic Designer role at Hume City Council (print, digital, brand application).

• Showcase Process: For key projects, include a brief explanation of your role, the brief, your design process, and the final outcome. Highlight how you applied brand guidelines.

• High-Quality Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use high-resolution images.

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, include work that demonstrates an understanding of local government communications or community-focused design.

• Accessibility: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., via a link to a personal website or a platform like Behance/Dribbble).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design task, carefully read and understand the objectives, target audience, and any constraints.

• Brand Alignment: Focus on how your design aligns with Hume City Council's brand identity and values.

• Clarity and Messaging: Ensure your design effectively communicates the intended message.

• Presentation of Work: Be prepared to articulate your design choices, rationale, and process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process section is built upon standard recruitment practices for creative roles, with specific emphasis on portfolio review and the mandatory background checks mentioned in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design. This includes:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout, desktop publishing, brochures, and print collateral.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general document creation, presentations, and administrative tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for a graphic design role. The "Operations" context here is about the operational use of these tools to deliver consistent brand assets and support communication workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Better, Every Day": This value encourages a mindset of continuous improvement, experimentation, and learning from outcomes. For a designer, this means being open to feedback, trying new approaches, and refining skills.

• "In It Together": Emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect. The designer will need to work effectively with colleagues, understand their needs, and contribute to a positive team atmosphere.

• "Show Up": Highlights accountability, ownership, and reliability. Designers are expected to deliver on commitments, manage their time effectively, and take responsibility for their work.

• "All for Hume": This core value underscores a commitment to serving the Hume community. Designers should approach their work with a focus on how it benefits and informs the community, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and positive representation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with various departments to understand their communication needs and translate them into effective visual designs.

• Feedback-Driven Process: A willingness to receive and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and management is crucial for iterative design improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of shared learning, potentially by sharing design best practices or insights with colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are directly integrated into the description of the operations culture, explaining how they translate into expected behaviors and approaches for a Graphic Designer.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with potentially different priorities and creative visions.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs adhere strictly to brand guidelines across a wide array of materials and campaigns.

• Working with Tight Deadlines: Managing a project pipeline to deliver high-quality work within sometimes compressed timelines.

• Adapting to Evolving Communication Needs: Staying current with digital design trends and platform requirements while also catering to traditional print needs.

• Navigating Bureaucracy: Operating within the processes and approval chains of a large local government organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or exploring new design tools.

• Specialization in Digital Design: Focusing on UI/UX principles, motion graphics, or digital campaign strategy.

• Brand System Development: Gaining experience in evolving or refining brand guidelines.

• Project Management Skills: Developing stronger skills in managing projects, timelines, and client relationships.

• Understanding Public Sector Communications: Learning the nuances of communicating effectively within a government context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the operational realities of a designer in a large organization, and growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement relevant to the design field and public sector context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a new brochure from brief to print."

  • Preparation: Be ready to walk through your typical workflow: receiving the brief, understanding objectives, concept development, wireframing/layout, content integration, rounds of feedback, final artwork preparation, and liaising with printers. Highlight your attention to detail and quality control measures.

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different types of collateral?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your understanding of brand guidelines, the importance of templates, and how you would advise or guide internal clients on brand application. Showcase examples from your portfolio where you've successfully maintained brand integrity.

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting feedback on a design project."

  • Preparation: Prepare a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method answer. Focus on your communication skills, ability to understand different perspectives, and how you facilitated a resolution that met project objectives while respecting brand standards.

• "How do you stay updated with graphic design trends and technologies?"

  • Preparation: Mention industry publications, online resources (e.g., design blogs, Behance, Dribbble), professional development courses, or networking with peers. Show your commitment to continuous learning.

• "What interests you about working for Hume City Council specifically?"

  • Preparation: Research the Council's mission, values, recent projects, and community initiatives. Connect your passion for design with their goals of serving the community.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you align with Hume City Council's values?"

  • Preparation: Reflect on how your work ethic, collaboration style, and approach to projects align with "Better, Every Day," "In It Together," "Show Up," and "All for Hume."

• "How would you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your communication style, willingness to help colleagues, and how you approach teamwork.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each piece, tell a brief story: the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize work that demonstrates skills directly applicable to the role (print, digital, brand management).

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your design thinking and the steps you took.

• Highlight Brand Application: If you have examples of working with brand guidelines, emphasize them.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; be ready to present key pieces efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation is tailored to a graphic design role within a local government, emphasizing brand adherence, stakeholder management, and community focus, in addition to core design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience in graphic design, brand management, print, and digital media. Use keywords from the job description such as "brand governance," "desktop publishing," and "pre-press."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best print and digital work, and clearly demonstrates your ability to apply brand guidelines. Include a link in your application.

• Write a Tailored Cover Letter: Express your interest in Hume City Council, explain why you are a strong fit for this specific role, and briefly touch on how your skills align with their values and mission.

• Prepare for Background Checks: Be ready to provide necessary documentation for reference checks, Working with Children Check, and Criminal Record Check as required.

⚠️ 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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