Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) Location: Presque Isle, Maine, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: July 31, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid (primarily in-person, hybrid may be considered)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the visual communications strategy of the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) through creative design execution.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for developing a wide range of visual assets for both print and digital channels, ensuring brand consistency and enhancing UMPI's overall brand identity.
• This position offers a hands-on opportunity to contribute to diverse design projects within a mission-driven, student-focused public university environment, fostering collaboration across campus departments.
• The role requires proficiency in industry-standard design software and a strong understanding of design principles to effectively translate institutional messaging into compelling visual narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the core function within a university marketing department strongly aligns with "Marketing Operations" and "Creative Services Operations" due to the need for consistent brand application, process management for design requests, and support of marketing campaigns. The emphasis on "entry-level" suggests a focus on execution and learning within established operational frameworks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design a variety of visual content for print and digital platforms, including brochures, flyers, social media graphics, web banners, and campus signage, adhering to brand guidelines.
• Assist in the development and execution of visual elements for marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and university initiatives, ensuring cohesive messaging.
• Edit and revise existing design materials to incorporate updated information, photography, and evolving brand standards, maintaining a library of current assets.
• Ensure consistent application of UMPI’s visual identity, brand guidelines, and design standards across all projects to maintain brand integrity and recognition.
• Support the creation of promotional merchandise, such as T-shirts and branded swag, and contribute to project-specific illustrations or icons.
• Perform basic photo editing, prepare print-ready files, and optimize images for web use, ensuring high quality, clarity, and accessibility.
• Organize, maintain, and manage design files, photography assets, and other digital resources, employing systematic naming conventions and filing structures for efficient retrieval and use.
• Collaborate with the Director of Creative Services on vendor communications, project timelines, and coordination with various campus offices to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Execute other reasonably related design and communications support tasks as assigned by the Director of Creative Services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a clear need for process adherence and asset management, typical of operations roles. The mention of "managing vendor communications, timelines, and coordination with campus offices" directly points to operational coordination and project management within creative workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant design experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated design experience through academic projects, internships, freelance work, volunteer engagements, or prior employment. A strong portfolio showcasing this experience is mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are essential for creating and manipulating design assets.
• Design Principles: Solid understanding of branding, layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy for both print and digital media.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet established deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy in design execution, file management, and adherence to brand standards to ensure consistency and quality.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with the Director of Creative Services, campus stakeholders, and potential vendors.
• File Management: Experience in organizing, naming, and maintaining digital design files and assets for efficient workflow and retrieval.
• Software Proficiency: Working knowledge of collaborative platforms like Canva, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a professional design studio, publishing house, or in-house design team environment.
• Familiarity with developing and implementing brand identity guidelines.
• Proven experience in both digital and print-based graphic design projects.
• Skills in hand-drawn or digital illustration.
• Basic working knowledge of digital photography, lighting techniques, and advanced photo editing.
• Familiarity with videography and/or video editing software and processes.
• Prior experience in higher education communications or marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite programs and the requirement for a portfolio highlight the technical and practical skills needed. The "entry-level" designation implies that a strong foundation in these areas, coupled with a demonstrable ability to learn and apply new concepts, is prioritized over extensive professional experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in graphic design principles, branding, and application across various media (print and digital).
• Examples should highlight the ability to translate project briefs into visually compelling and effective designs.
• Showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of layout, typography, and brand consistency.
• Include examples of how design solutions address specific communication objectives or challenges.

Process Documentation:

• While direct process documentation is not explicitly required in the portfolio, demonstrating an organized approach to file management and project workflow within portfolio pieces will be beneficial.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept development and client communication to final file preparation and delivery.
• Ability to adapt to and follow established university brand guidelines and creative request processes is critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio is the primary indicator of process understanding. The expectation is to see how candidates approach design challenges, manage their work, and adhere to visual standards, rather than formal process documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for entry-level Graphic Designers in Presque Isle, Maine, and considering the university setting, a competitive salary range is estimated between $38,000 - $48,000 annually.
• This estimate considers the cost of living in Presque Isle, the typical compensation for similar roles in academic institutions in the region, and the entry-level experience requirement.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plan: Participation in a state-sponsored retirement plan (e.g., Maine Public Employees Retirement System - MPEARS).
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and professional growth, including potential for Adobe certifications.
• Tuition Remission: Potential benefits for employees and their dependents for coursework at UMPI or other University of Maine System institutions.
• Work-Life Balance: A supportive campus environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• While the role is primarily in-person, a hybrid arrangement may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications, suggesting some flexibility in work location.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on general market data for entry-level graphic design positions in similar geographic areas and within the higher education sector. Benefits are typical for full-time employees within a public university system.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Public University) Company Size: Approximately 300-400 employees (based on typical university departmental structures and the description of a "small, student-focused public university"). Founded: The University of Maine at Presque Isle traces its origins to 1878 as the Aroostook State Normal School, established to train teachers. It has evolved through various stages to become a comprehensive university.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing and Communications Office.
• This office likely includes roles such as a Director of Creative Services, marketing specialists, writers, web administrators, and potentially communications coordinators.
• The Graphic Designer will report directly to the Director of Creative Services.
• Collaboration will extend to various campus offices, departments, and programs seeking design support.

Methodology:

• The Marketing and Communications Office will likely employ a structured approach to managing design requests, prioritizing projects, and ensuring brand consistency.
• Emphasis is placed on data-driven insights for marketing campaigns, though the design role focuses more on creative execution within strategic parameters.
• Workflow planning and optimization will be managed by the Director, with the designer executing tasks efficiently.
• Automation is less likely to be a primary focus for this specific role, but efficient file management and use of templates will be key.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The university context implies a culture that values education, community, and service. The Marketing and Communications team operates within this larger framework, supporting the university's mission and strategic goals through visual storytelling.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Designer within a Creative Services function. This role is foundational, focusing on skill development and execution of design tasks under supervision. Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Creative Services, who provides guidance, project assignments, and performance feedback. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts UMPI's brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and overall visual communication strategy. High-quality design supports recruitment, student engagement, and institutional reputation, contributing indirectly to revenue generation and operational efficiency of marketing efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced Photoshop retouching, Illustrator for complex vector graphics) or explore related areas like UI/UX design for web assets.
• Creative Leadership: With experience, potential to take on more complex projects, lead design aspects of smaller campaigns, or mentor future interns.
• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in higher education marketing, which can be a niche but rewarding career path, or leverage skills for transition into other industries.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for workshops, webinars, and potentially industry conferences focusing on design trends, branding, and marketing technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the primary growth path involves mastering core design skills and understanding the operational nuances of a university marketing department. Future progression could lead to Senior Designer, Art Director, or even into broader marketing strategy roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based within the Marketing and Communications Office at the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus. This is likely a collaborative office environment with shared workspaces or individual desks. Office Location(s): Presque Isle, Maine. The campus is described as being on 150 acres in northern Maine, surrounded by rolling hills and potato fields.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Director of Creative Services and other members of the Marketing and Communications team, as well as with various campus offices.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), computers, and potentially printing facilities or resources.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with colleagues for project discussions, feedback, and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.
• While the role is mostly in-person, the possibility of a hybrid arrangement suggests some flexibility could be negotiated for candidates with the right qualifications, allowing for a portion of work to be done remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a "small, student-focused public university" and a "close-knit campus culture," suggesting a community-oriented and supportive work environment. The "primarily in-person" aspect is key for understanding the daily work setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit cover letter, resume, and a portfolio via the UMPI Careers portal.
• Initial Review: Applications and portfolios will be reviewed starting August 5, 2025.
• First Interview (likely virtual): Focus on assessing design skills, creative process, understanding of brand principles, and communication abilities. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific projects from their portfolio.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge (potentially): A practical exercise may be given to evaluate design proficiency, problem-solving skills, and ability to work within brand constraints under a time limit.
• Second Interview (potentially in-person): Meet with the Director of Creative Services and potentially other key stakeholders to discuss fit with the team and university culture.
• Reference Checks: Provided by candidates selected for final stages.
• Background Screening: Conducted for the successful candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase versatility and skill in both print and digital design.
• Showcase Process: For each selected project, briefly explain the brief, your design approach, problem-solving, and the final outcome. Highlight your role in collaborative projects.
• Demonstrate Brand Application: Include examples where you've applied or adapted brand guidelines.
• Quality over Quantity: Ensure all portfolio pieces are high-resolution and professionally presented.
• Tailor to Higher Education: If possible, include any relevant work for academic institutions or non-profits to show understanding of that sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, including how you approach briefs, manage feedback, and ensure brand consistency.
• Review UMPI's current branding and marketing materials to understand their visual identity and communication style.
• Practice articulating your design choices and their strategic rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and the potential for a design challenge are critical for this role. Candidates should focus on presenting their best work and being ready to discuss their creative and technical process thoroughly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and page design of print collateral (brochures, flyers, reports).
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
• Collaboration/Productivity Tools:
  • Canva: For quick design tasks, social media graphics, or template-based work.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint for basic document creation and presentations.
  • Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Slides for collaborative document creation and sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts digital performance (e.g., web banner effectiveness, social media engagement) is beneficial.
• Familiarity with basic digital analytics concepts and how to prepare files for web optimization is expected.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool experience is required or implied for this role. The focus is on creative production and asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with Canva and Google Workspace/Microsoft Office indicates the need for versatility in design tools and collaborative platforms common in office environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and unique visual solutions to represent UMPI.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues within Marketing & Communications and across campus departments.
• Attention to Detail & Quality: Maintaining high standards in all design outputs and brand consistency.
• Efficiency & Organization: Managing time and resources effectively to meet project deadlines and maintain organized asset libraries.
• Service-Oriented: Supporting the needs of various university stakeholders through excellent design services.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with different university offices to understand their design needs and provide effective visual communication solutions.
• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on design work to improve outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where design best practices and creative insights are shared.

📝 Enhancement Note: The university environment often fosters a culture of shared mission and community. The Marketing and Communications team will likely embody a professional yet collaborative spirit, emphasizing support for the university's educational goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling design requests from various departments with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all design output adheres strictly to UMPI's established brand guidelines.
• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Staying current with design trends and digital platform requirements while working within institutional constraints.
• Entry-Level Learning Curve: Quickly learning university-specific processes, brand nuances, and stakeholder expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Developing proficiency in project management, file organization, and stakeholder communication within a university setting.
• Industry Best Practices: Learning from experienced professionals in higher education marketing and communications.
• Software Mastery: Opportunity to deepen skills in Adobe Creative Suite and potentially explore new design tools or techniques.
• Portfolio Expansion: Building a professional portfolio with diverse projects that can lead to future career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge for an entry-level role is often the transition from academic or personal projects to professional, high-volume, and deadline-driven work, alongside learning the specific operational workflows of the institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial concept to final delivery. How do you incorporate feedback?" (Prepare to discuss steps like brief analysis, sketching, digital execution, revisions, and final file preparation.)
• Brand Application: "How do you ensure brand consistency across various design projects? Can you give an example of how you've applied brand guidelines?" (Focus on understanding UMPI's brand and demonstrating your ability to adhere to it.)
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you have a tight deadline for a flyer design, but the client keeps changing the content. How would you manage this situation?" (Highlight communication, expectation setting, and efficient workflow.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• University Understanding: "What interests you about working in higher education marketing at UMPI?" (Research UMPI's mission, values, and recent initiatives.)
• Team Collaboration: "How do you approach working collaboratively with a team and with stakeholders from different departments?" (Emphasize communication and shared goals.)
• Impact Measurement: "How do you think graphic design contributes to a university's overall goals?" (Connect design to recruitment, brand perception, and communication effectiveness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a concise story: the problem, your solution, and the outcome.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly state your contributions, especially in team projects.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used.
• Focus on Impact: If possible, mention how your design achieved its objective (e.g., increased event attendance, clearer communication).
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and what you learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily focus on demonstrating design competency, understanding of brand operations, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a university structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the UMPI Careers Page at http://umpi.careers.maine.edu/ or via the "Apply Now" link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), branding, layout, and typography for both print and digital media. Select projects that showcase your ability to adapt to specific design needs and adhere to visual standards.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant coursework, internships, or previous design experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 15+ marketing materials for X project"). Integrate keywords like "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Branding," "Digital Design," and "Print Design."
• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for UMPI, highlights your key design skills, explains why you are a good fit for the role and the university environment, and addresses your understanding of the responsibilities.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with UMPI's mission, values, current marketing campaigns, and visual identity. Understanding their strategic communications goals will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions for a Graphic Designer role in higher education. All details, particularly regarding salary estimates and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization (University of Maine at Presque Isle) before making application decisions.