Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: The Ohio State University Location: Columbus Campus, OH, United States of America Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing & Communications Operations Date Posted: August 19, 2025 Experience Level: 0-2 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and executes strategic visual solutions for the Department of Athletics and Business Advancement, directly impacting brand perception and communication effectiveness.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to conceptualize and deliver creative assets for both digital and print platforms, requiring strong project management and client-facing skills.
• Supports recruiting initiatives through the creation of high-impact visual content, emphasizing the role's contribution to talent acquisition and team building.
• Manages relationships with external vendors and printers, overseeing project timelines, quality control, and final approvals to ensure brand consistency and operational efficiency.
• Operates within a dynamic, collaborative team environment that values innovation and adaptability, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities described, particularly "conceptualize ideas and establish creative solutions fulfilling the goals and objectives," "Provides strategic visual solutions for digital and print communication pieces utilized across the department," and "Coordinates with external vendors and printers," indicate a role that requires operational rigor beyond pure creative execution. This suggests a need for process management, vendor relationship management, and strategic alignment with departmental goals, common in operations-focused roles within marketing departments. The role is embedded within "Athletics | Creative and Branding," a department that likely relies on efficient operations to support its various outreach and engagement activities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design engaging visual assets for a wide range of digital platforms (e.g., social media, web, email campaigns) and print materials (e.g., brochures, posters, event collateral) to support the Department of Athletics and Business Advancement.
• Collaborate closely with internal partners, including coaches and marketing teams, to understand project requirements, gather feedback, and translate strategic objectives into compelling visual narratives.
• Manage the end-to-end design process for assigned projects, from initial concept development and creative brief to final asset delivery, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and project timelines.
• Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and production teams to manage the production of print materials, including obtaining quotes, approving proofs, and ensuring timely delivery and quality standards.
• Assist in the planning and execution of visual content for recruiting efforts, creating high-impact materials designed to attract prospective student-athletes and enhance the department's brand image.
• Maintain an organized digital asset management system for all created graphics and design files, ensuring easy retrieval and version control for future use.
• Stay abreast of current design trends, software updates, and best practices in graphic design and visual communication to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong workflow management and process adherence, particularly in coordinating with internal partners and external vendors. The mention of "establishes timetables and design standards" and "Approves proofs and final print runs" points to responsibilities that require meticulous process oversight and quality assurance, typical of operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a focus on creating digital and print assets. Experience within a university, athletic department, or large organizational setting is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Strong conceptualization and creative problem-solving abilities to develop innovative visual solutions.
• Excellent understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition for both digital and print media.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for clear collaboration with internal stakeholders, clients, and external vendors.
• Ability to manage project timelines and deliverables, ensuring efficient workflow and timely completion of tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe After Effects) and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro).
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and web design principles.
• Knowledge of university branding guidelines and the specific visual identity of collegiate athletics.
• Experience in managing vendor relationships and coordinating print production processes.
• Portfolio showcasing a range of design projects with a focus on impact and strategic communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills indicate an expectation for a candidate who can not only design but also manage the operational aspects of design production, including vendor coordination and potentially digital asset management. This suggests a need for individuals who can think operationally about the design lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles, typography, and visual hierarchy across various media.
• Case studies showcasing the process from initial concept to final execution for at least two distinct projects, highlighting problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Examples of digital assets (e.g., social media graphics, web banners, email templates) and print collateral (e.g., brochures, flyers, event signage) that align with the university's brand and the athletic department's needs.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt design style and approach based on project objectives, target audience, and brand guidelines.
• Inclusion of projects that involved collaboration with internal teams or external stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you manage your design workflow, from brief intake and concept development to revisions and final file delivery.
• Illustrate your process for collaborating with clients or internal partners, including how you gather feedback and incorporate it into designs.
• Provide insight into your approach for coordinating with printers or production teams, including proofing and quality control measures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "process from initial concept to final execution" and "coordinating with printers or production teams" implies a need for the candidate to demonstrate not just creative output but also the operational discipline to manage the design lifecycle efficiently and effectively, often a key requirement for operations-focused roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the "Specialized" career band and "S1" career level, and the 0-2 years of experience preferred, a typical salary range for a Graphic Designer at a large university in Columbus, Ohio, would fall between $45,000 and $60,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for entry-level to junior graphic design roles in higher education and the cost of living in the Columbus metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options.
• Dental Insurance: Dental care benefits.
• Vision Insurance: Vision care coverage.
• Tuition Assistance: Opportunities for continued education and professional development through university programs.
• Retirement Options: Access to retirement savings plans, such as a 403(b) or 401(a) plan, with potential employer contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Life Insurance: Basic and supplemental life insurance coverage.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Scheduled for 40 hours per week, with varying shifts potentially required to meet departmental needs and project deadlines. This may include occasional evening or weekend work, especially during peak periods or major events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the specified location (Columbus, OH) and industry (higher education/university athletics), considering the experience level. Benefits are standard offerings for full-time employees at a large institution like Ohio State University.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University Athletics & Business Advancement) Company Size: Very Large (The Ohio State University is one of the largest universities in the U.S. by enrollment) Founded: 1870 (The Ohio State University)

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the "Athletics | Creative and Branding" department, a specialized unit within the larger Ohio State University Athletics organization.
• The graphic designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Manager of Creative Services, working within a team that may include other designers, content creators, and marketing specialists.
• Collaboration is expected across various internal departments within Athletics (e.g., Marketing, Communications, Ticket Sales, Coaching Staffs) and potentially with external agencies or vendors.

Methodology:

• The Creative & Branding team likely employs a project-based workflow, utilizing creative briefs to guide design concepts and execution.
• Processes will involve iterative feedback loops with internal partners to ensure creative solutions align with departmental goals and brand standards.
• Emphasis is placed on strategic visual communication to enhance brand recognition, support recruitment efforts, and drive engagement for Ohio State Athletics.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large university athletic department implies a structured, process-driven environment with a strong emphasis on brand consistency and strategic communication to support multiple stakeholders and objectives. The "Creative and Branding" department specifically will require efficient operations to manage diverse creative requests.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Specialized (S1)

• This level typically signifies a role requiring specific technical or creative skills with a focus on execution and contribution to broader team objectives. While not a management role, it demands proficiency in operational processes related to design production and stakeholder management.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or director within the Creative & Branding department. This implies a direct reporting line with regular check-ins and project oversight, common in structured operational teams.

Operations Impact:

• This role's operational impact is significant in ensuring consistent, high-quality visual communication that supports the university's brand, recruitment efforts, and overall engagement strategies for its athletic programs. Efficient design processes and effective vendor management directly contribute to the marketing department's ability to execute its goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to take on more complex design projects, manage larger campaigns, or gain experience in project management and team coordination within the creative operations workflow.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, web design, or branding strategy through specialized training or project assignments.
• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and a growing understanding of operational processes, there could be opportunities to mentor junior designers or take on lead roles in specific creative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Specialized" level suggests a foundational role within operations, with clear pathways for growth through skill development and increased responsibility in managing design processes and projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the Fawcett Center for Tomorrow, a university facility. Office Location(s): Columbus Campus, Ohio.

Workspace Context:

• The role is situated within a creative and collaborative team environment, suggesting an open or shared workspace designed to foster idea exchange and teamwork.
• Access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially specialized hardware (e.g., high-resolution monitors, graphics tablets) is expected.
• Opportunities for interaction with other creative professionals and marketing staff within the department will be frequent.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week with potentially varying shifts to accommodate project deadlines and departmental needs. This flexibility is common in creative and event-driven environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature and collaborative environment point to a typical university department setup, where operational efficiency is achieved through direct team interaction and shared resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application and resume review to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a digital portfolio for evaluation of design skills, creativity, and project execution.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise or case study may be administered to assess design problem-solving, software proficiency, and ability to meet specific creative briefs under timed conditions.
• Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews, potentially including hiring manager, team members, and departmental leadership, to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate a portfolio that prominently features projects demonstrating a strong grasp of design fundamentals, brand consistency, and strategic visual communication.
• Include a diverse range of work showcasing capabilities in both digital and print media, with clear explanations of your role, the project's objectives, and the impact of your design solutions.
• Highlight projects that involved collaboration, problem-solving, or managing production processes (e.g., vendor coordination, proofing).
• Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, or a shared drive link) and well-organized.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, from concept generation to final output.
• Familiarize yourself with Ohio State University's branding guidelines and the visual identity of its athletic programs.
• Practice articulating how your design choices support strategic goals and contribute to the overall mission of the department.
• Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss specific projects, highlighting your problem-solving approach and the results achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges underscores the operational aspect of evaluating a candidate's ability to consistently deliver high-quality work within defined parameters and timelines.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential for creating and managing visual assets.
• Adobe Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, and proofing, crucial for print vendor coordination.
• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For internal communication, document creation, and collaboration (Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, an understanding of how design impacts digital engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, social media engagement) may be beneficial. Basic familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are typically required for this role, but familiarity with project management or task tracking software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Workfront) could enhance operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is paramount, reflecting the core operational tools for this design role. The mention of potential familiarity with project management tools suggests an appreciation for workflow efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Commitment to producing high-quality, impactful design work that upholds the standards of The Ohio State University.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared, feedback is constructive, and collective goals are achieved.
• Innovation: Embracing new creative approaches, technologies, and strategies to enhance visual communication and brand presence.
• Efficiency: Managing time and resources effectively to meet project deadlines and operational objectives.
• Adaptability: Being open to change, constructive criticism, and evolving project requirements within a dynamic university setting.

Collaboration Style:

• A highly collaborative approach, working closely with internal partners to understand their needs and translate them into effective visual solutions.
• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes, engaging in constructive dialogue with team members and stakeholders.
• Emphasis on clear communication and proactive problem-solving to ensure smooth project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize the blend of creative output with operational efficiency and team integration, common in successful marketing and branding operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines and priorities requires strong organizational and time-management skills, a key operational challenge.
• Meeting Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Translating varied requests from different internal partners into cohesive visual communications while maintaining brand consistency.
• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design software, visual trends, and digital platform best practices in a rapidly changing landscape.
• Print Production Management: Ensuring accurate color representation, print quality, and timely delivery from external vendors can present logistical challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement Workshops: Access to university-provided or industry-specific training on new design software, techniques, or project management methodologies.
• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend design or marketing conferences to network and learn about emerging trends and best practices.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and creative leads within the department to refine skills and gain insights into career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of operations roles where managing multiple inputs, outputs, and quality standards is critical for success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial concept to final delivery, including how you manage feedback and revisions." (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and process management).
• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines and achieve the strategic objectives of the client or department?" (Highlight strategic thinking, brand adherence, and impact measurement).
• "Tell me about a time you had to coordinate with an external vendor or printer. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure a successful outcome?" (Demonstrate vendor management, quality control, and operational execution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The Ohio State University's brand and athletic programs, and how would your design approach support them?" (Research university branding, athletic initiatives, and articulate brand alignment).
• "How do you approach working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, especially when dealing with constructive criticism?" (Prepare examples of teamwork, communication, and receptiveness to feedback).
• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests?" (Showcase organizational skills, time management, and prioritization strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that represent a range of skills and project types relevant to the role (digital, print, campaign work).
• For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, the challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact.
• Be prepared to discuss specific design choices and how they served the project's objectives.
• Have a clear, organized online portfolio ready to share.

📝 Enhancement Note: The suggested interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's operational capabilities, including process management, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic thinking, beyond just their creative output.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio highlights projects demonstrating strong design principles, strategic application, and successful execution of both digital and print assets, with a focus on clarity and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant skills such as Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, project management in design contexts, vendor coordination experience, and any experience in higher education or athletics. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and collaborative style. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to project management and stakeholder communication.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Ohio State University's brand guidelines, the mission of its Athletic department, and recent marketing initiatives. Understand how the Creative & Branding team contributes to these broader goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Ohio State University hiring organization before making application decisions.