Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Marymount University

Location: Lexington, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 0-3 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for producing visual designs that support Marymount University's marketing and communications objectives across various channels.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for ensuring consistent application of the university's brand standards in all creative output.

• Collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Photo/Video Specialist, Manager of Communications, and VP, is essential for integrated campaign development.

• This position offers a significant opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career designer to gain experience and grow within a dynamic university communications team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes its role within "Marketing Communications" and its direct reporting to the "Digital Marketing Manager." This suggests a focus on operationalizing marketing strategies through visual content, aligning it with the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and Marketing Operations functions. The university setting implies a consistent need for brand integrity and campaign execution across educational programs, enrollment, and advancement initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visual assets for a wide range of marketing materials, including digital platforms (social media, email graphics, web banners, digital ads), print collateral (flyers, brochures, posters, event materials), and presentation decks.

• Uphold and consistently apply Marymount University's brand guidelines across all creative deliverables to maintain brand integrity and recognition.

• Support the execution of key university campaigns, such as enrollment marketing, advancement initiatives, capital campaigns, and general brand awareness efforts, by translating institutional messaging into compelling visual communications.

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of organized design asset libraries and brand templates to streamline creative workflows and ensure brand consistency for internal and external stakeholders.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including content strategists, writers, and photo/video specialists, to ensure integrated and cohesive campaign messaging and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational adherence to brand standards and campaign objectives. For a "Graphic Designer" role, the emphasis on "campaign production," "brand standards and asset management," and "cross-functional collaboration" positions this as a role that supports the operational efficiency of the marketing department by ensuring timely and on-brand visual content delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a closely related field is required.

Experience: 0-3 years of professional design experience. Internships, freelance work, and significant student leadership in design roles are highly valued, making this an excellent opportunity for recent graduates.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Strong command of typography, layout design principles, and visual storytelling techniques.

• Competency in presentation design software, including PowerPoint and Keynote.

• Familiarity with collaborative design tools such as Figma.

• Demonstrated ability to receive and effectively incorporate creative direction and feedback.

• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong capacity for follow-through in production workflows.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge of motion graphics or video editing software.

• Understanding of print production processes and requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 0-3 years, coupled with the emphasis on a strong portfolio from internships and student work, indicates a focus on foundational design skills and potential rather than extensive professional track record. The required software proficiency is standard for graphic design, but the mention of Figma suggests an increasing need for collaborative workflow tools, common in operations environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects demonstrating proficiency across digital, print, and presentation mediums.

• Case studies that highlight the design process, from concept development to final execution, showcasing problem-solving skills.

• Examples of work that adhere to established brand guidelines or effectively adapt to specific campaign objectives.

• Visuals demonstrating strong typography, layout, and visual storytelling capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, candidates are expected to articulate their design process, including how they manage feedback, iterate on designs, and ensure brand consistency.

• Demonstrating an understanding of workflow optimization, such as building reusable templates, will be advantageous.

• The ability to manage and organize design files efficiently is implicitly required for asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role supporting marketing operations, the portfolio is the primary indicator of operational capability. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also the ability to execute consistently and efficiently within established parameters. The emphasis on brand standards and template creation points towards a need for process-oriented thinking in design execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $58,000 - $65,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health program.

• Tuition remission program for employees.

• Contribution to the University's 403B retirement plan.

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Generous paid time off.

• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, supplemental life insurance, transit benefits, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), and credit union access.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support events and campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range ($58,000-$65,000) for an entry-level to early-career Graphic Designer in the Lexington, Massachusetts area aligns with industry benchmarks for a metropolitan region with a high cost of living, especially within the higher education sector. The extensive benefits package is typical for a university setting and adds significant value beyond the base salary, particularly the tuition remission and robust retirement/disability plans.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education. Marymount University is an institution dedicated to providing a comprehensive education, fostering intellectual curiosity, and preparing students for leadership roles. This context means design work often supports academic programs, student recruitment, alumni engagement, and institutional advancement.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but as a university, it implies a medium to large organization with multiple departments and a structured hierarchy. This size suggests a need for clear brand governance and efficient operational processes.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the university's established nature suggests a rich history and established operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer is part of the Marketing Communications department, reporting to the Digital Marketing Manager.

• Key collaborators include the Photo/Video Specialist, Manager of Communications, and the Vice President of Marketing.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on applying and enforcing university brand standards across all visual communications.

• A collaborative approach to creative production, involving regular reviews and input from team members and stakeholders.

• Focus on translating institutional messaging into clear, compelling visual content for diverse audiences.

• Data-informed design may be a component, particularly for digital and campaign materials, though not explicitly detailed.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The university setting is critical. It dictates a need for design that is not only creative but also highly aligned with institutional goals, brand reputation, and diverse stakeholder needs. This requires a disciplined approach to design execution, making it akin to an operational function within marketing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to early-career position. It's an opportunity for individuals to develop foundational skills in graphic design within a structured marketing communications department. The responsibilities, while creative, are heavily focused on execution and adherence to established standards, which is characteristic of operational roles supporting broader strategic initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Digital Marketing Manager, indicating a direct line of support for digital marketing efforts. This structure allows for focused professional development in digital design and campaign execution.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the university's brand perception, enrollment efforts, advancement campaigns, and overall communication effectiveness. By producing high-quality, on-brand visuals, the role contributes to the operational efficiency of marketing campaigns and the university's external image.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, explore motion graphics or video editing, and gain experience with collaborative design tools.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like digital design, campaign creative, or executive communications based on project involvement and demonstrated aptitude.

• Leadership Potential: For individuals demonstrating strong execution, brand stewardship, and collaborative skills, there may be opportunities to take on more complex projects or mentor junior designers or interns over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is likely within the marketing and communications department, potentially moving into senior designer, digital marketing specialist, or even marketing operations roles that require a strong visual component and understanding of campaign execution. The emphasis on early-career development suggests a structured learning environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office setting. The description mentions "Primary Location: MC" (Main Campus) and "Flex Work (Hybrid) Eligible: Yes," indicating a hybrid work model is available.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the Main Campus in Lexington, Massachusetts. The university also has a Ballston location, but this role is designated for the Main Campus.

Workspace Context:

• A hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. In-office days are likely used for team meetings, collaborative design sessions, and access to on-site resources.

• The mention of "collaborative team culture" and working with a "Photo/Video Specialist" implies an environment that encourages teamwork and integrated content creation.

• Access to standard office equipment, including computers and design software, is expected.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. However, occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support events and campaigns, reflecting the operational demands of a university marketing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key aspect for modern operations roles. It suggests a company that values work-life balance while still requiring in-person collaboration for team synergy and project alignment, common in marketing and creative departments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a cover letter and resume. A portfolio is implicitly required for a design role.

• Initial Screening: Review of applications and portfolios to assess qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic against job requirements.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a design challenge or provide examples of how they would approach specific university brand or campaign needs.

• Interviews: One or more interviews with the hiring manager (Digital Marketing Manager) and possibly other team members (e.g., Manager of Communications) to evaluate creative thinking, collaboration skills, understanding of brand, and cultural fit.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall qualifications, portfolio strength, and interview performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work that aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description (digital, print, presentation, campaign work).

• Showcase Process: For 2-3 key projects, briefly explain your design thinking, the problem you were solving, your approach, and the outcome. Highlight how you applied brand standards.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within established brand guidelines and adapt them effectively for different campaign needs.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a variety of project types to showcase your range of skills.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you handle feedback, and your approach to meeting deadlines.

• Review Marymount University's current branding and recent marketing materials to understand their visual identity and messaging.

• Consider how you would approach designing a social media graphic for a recruitment event or a flyer for an advancement campaign.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, the portfolio is paramount. It acts as a visual resume and a demonstration of operational capability in executing creative briefs. The interview process will likely assess not just talent but also the candidate's ability to integrate into a team, follow processes, and contribute to operational marketing goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (essential for all design tasks).

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Keynote (for executive and academic presentations).

• Collaborative Design Tools: Figma (preferred, indicating a move towards modern team collaboration workflows).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed for this role. However, familiarity with how design assets are used within email marketing platforms or website content management systems (CMS) would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, Keynote, and Figma highlights the core technical requirements. Figma's inclusion suggests a forward-thinking marketing department that values collaborative design workflows, a key aspect of operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Stewardship: A strong commitment to upholding and consistently applying the university's brand standards across all visual communications.

• Collaboration: A proactive and open approach to working with team members and stakeholders across departments, valuing input and constructive feedback.

• Efficiency & Execution: A focus on timely and effective production of high-quality design assets that meet project deadlines and campaign objectives.

• Continuous Improvement: An openness to learning new design techniques, tools, and staying current with visual communication trends to enhance creative output.

• Service Orientation: A dedication to supporting the university's mission and the needs of various departments through effective visual communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Content Creation: Working closely with content writers, photo/video specialists, and marketing managers to ensure cohesive and impactful integrated campaigns.

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Collaborating with deans, cabinet members, and academic leaders, requiring clear communication and understanding of diverse needs.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: Participating in creative reviews, actively seeking and incorporating feedback to refine designs and achieve optimal results.

• Template Development: Creating and sharing reusable design templates to empower other campus partners and streamline common design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on brand stewardship and efficient execution aligns well with operational principles. The collaborative style, particularly with diverse stakeholders, underscores the importance of clear communication and process adherence in a university setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas within the firm guidelines of the university's brand identity.

• Managing Multiple Priorities: Juggling design requests from various departments and campaigns with competing deadlines.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Staying current with design trends and digital platform requirements while maintaining brand consistency.

• Cross-Departmental Communication: Effectively understanding and translating diverse design needs from non-marketing stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepening proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and gaining experience with new tools like Figma.

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to learn about motion graphics, video editing, or advanced digital design techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend workshops or webinars related to higher education marketing and design trends.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing and communications professionals within the university.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in operational roles where execution and adherence to standards are crucial. The growth opportunities focus on expanding technical skills and deepening understanding of marketing operations within the higher education sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from concept to final delivery, particularly when working with established brand guidelines." (Focus on process, brand adherence, and execution.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are effective for their intended audience and channel (e.g., social media, print, executive presentation)?" (Focus on strategic thinking and channel optimization.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Marymount University's brand and visual identity? How would you approach designing for a higher education institution?" (Research the university's website, branding, and recent campaigns.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who have different areas of expertise, such as writers or photographers?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, your design process, and the outcome.

• Emphasize Brand Application: Showcase how you applied or adapted brand guidelines effectively.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of projects demonstrating your skills across different media (digital, print, presentation).

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a project had measurable results (e.g., increased engagement), mention it.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices and technical execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize not just artistic talent but also the candidate's ability to function as a reliable operational component of the marketing team. This includes demonstrating process-oriented thinking, strong communication, and a commitment to brand consistency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, including a tailored cover letter and resume.

• Customize Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating proficiency in digital design, print collateral, presentation graphics, and adherence to brand standards, aligning with Marymount University's needs.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "InDesign," "Illustrator," "Photoshop," "typography," "layout," "brand standards," "campaign production," and "visual storytelling." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your strongest projects, articulating your design process, how you handled feedback, and your understanding of brand consistency. Be ready to discuss how your work supports marketing objectives.

• Research Marymount University: Familiarize yourself with the university's mission, values, brand identity, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their strategic goals and how visual communications contribute to them.

⚠️ 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.