Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: University of New Hampshire (Keene State College)

Location: Keene, New Hampshire, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 08, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for conceptualizing and executing visually compelling graphic designs to support student recruitment and broader campus marketing initiatives.

• Develops and maintains brand consistency across a wide array of print and digital assets, ensuring alignment with college-wide messaging and strategic goals.

• Collaborates cross-functionally with content creators, photographers, videographers, and digital strategists to produce integrated marketing materials.

• Focuses on creating high-impact creative for campaigns, social media, email marketing, and web platforms to drive engagement and enrollment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a role deeply embedded within marketing operations, specifically focused on GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies for student recruitment and campus-wide branding. This role requires a blend of creative execution and an understanding of marketing campaign objectives, making it valuable for operations professionals seeking to understand the creative output side of GTM.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Print & Collateral Design (40%):

  • Design and manage the production of the admissions print suite, including the Viewbook, associated flyers, postcards, mailers, financial aid/scholarship flyers, and acceptance packages.
  • Ensure all print materials adhere strictly to established brand guidelines and are optimized for recruitment effectiveness.
  • Manage print vendor relationships and specifications to ensure quality and cost-efficiency.

• Digital & Social Media, Web, and Content Repurposing (50%):

  • Create engaging social media assets tailored for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
  • Design effective digital advertisements for paid campaigns across search, display, and social media channels.
  • Develop custom icons and visual storytelling elements for web pages and email marketing campaigns.
  • Collaborate with the Digital Media Strategist and Strategic Writer to design conversion-focused landing pages and enrollment site elements.
  • Implement the "Capture Once, Distribute Many" (CODM) strategy by transforming core visual assets (videos, photos) into diverse formats for social graphics, ads, and email visuals.
  • Ensure visual consistency and adherence to brand standards across all digital touchpoints, including program pages and the main enrollment website.

• Brand Governance (10%):

  • Maintain and update college brand guidelines, including typography, color palettes, and imagery standards.

  • Provide design support to campus partners, prioritizing enrollment-driven projects based on strategic importance.

  • Manage the Brand Comply platform for licensed merchandise partners, ensuring brand integrity in external applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed breakdown of responsibilities, particularly the emphasis on "student recruitment" and "campus-wide marketing initiatives," frames this design role within a strategic marketing operations context. The "Capture Once, Distribute Many" principle highlights an efficiency-driven approach, common in operations roles focused on content lifecycle management and resource optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator are essential for creating high-quality print and digital assets.

• Multi-Channel Design Expertise: Proven experience designing for a variety of platforms, including print collateral, social media, web, and email.

• Brand Management: Ability to understand, interpret, and consistently apply brand guidelines across all design outputs.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to translate strategic marketing objectives into compelling visual solutions.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively work with writers, photographers, videographers, digital strategists, and other stakeholders.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to design specifications.

• Time Management & Prioritization: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Understanding of Digital Formats: Familiarity with social media platform specifications, responsive design principles, and web accessibility standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a higher education institution or a non-profit organization.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) platforms.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for web and landing page design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills highlight a blend of technical proficiency (Adobe Suite) and strategic application (translating goals into visuals, brand management). The emphasis on collaboration and time management is crucial for any operations-adjacent role, as it underscores the need for efficient workflow and stakeholder alignment in a marketing context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Multi-Channel Design: Showcase a range of projects that span print, digital, social media, and web platforms, illustrating versatility.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Include case studies or examples where you successfully maintained or evolved brand standards across multiple campaigns or assets.

• Process Optimization Showcase: Highlight projects where your design approach contributed to efficiency, such as content repurposing or streamlining asset creation workflows.

• Recruitment/Marketing Impact: Present designs that clearly supported specific marketing objectives, ideally with quantifiable results if available (e.g., improved engagement rates, higher click-through rates).

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, workflows, and best practices for asset creation and brand guideline adherence.

• Experience in maintaining and updating design system components or brand asset libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role within marketing operations, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as a tangible representation of process execution and impact. Candidates should focus on showcasing not just aesthetic skill, but also their ability to manage projects, adhere to guidelines, and contribute to strategic marketing goals through design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package offered by the University System of New Hampshire (USNH).

• Detailed information on benefits is available via the provided link: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad, indicating that the final offer will be highly dependent on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Operations roles often benefit from comprehensive benefits packages, which can include robust health insurance, retirement matching, and generous PTO, contributing to overall job satisfaction and long-term retention.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University System)

Company Size: The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) is a large public institution. Keene State College, as an affiliate, operates within this structure. Large university systems typically have established processes, a focus on community, and a mission-driven approach.

Founded: Keene State College was founded in 1909. Its affiliation with the University System of New Hampshire (established 1966) places it within a long-standing educational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger marketing or communications department at Keene State College.

• This department will include roles such as a Strategic Writer, Photographer/Videographer, and Digital Media Strategist, facilitating close collaboration.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Director or Manager of Marketing/Communications.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creative, the design work is driven by strategic marketing goals, particularly student recruitment, implying a need to understand target audiences and campaign objectives.

• Brand-Centric Execution: A strong emphasis on maintaining and updating brand guidelines ensures consistent messaging and visual identity across all communications.

• Efficiency & Repurposing: The "Capture Once, Distribute Many" (CODM) principle highlights a process-oriented approach to content creation, maximizing the value of existing assets.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a university setting implies a culture that values education, community, and long-term impact. For an operations-minded designer, this means understanding the unique stakeholders (students, faculty, alumni, prospective enrollees) and the importance of brand integrity in a public-facing institution. The CODM approach is a clear indicator of an operations-focused mindset within the creative team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is focused on execution and application of design principles within specific marketing and recruitment strategies. It requires strong technical skills and the ability to work independently on assigned projects while collaborating effectively.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a marketing or communications leadership role and works collaboratively with a team of marketing specialists. This structure allows for clear direction and integration with broader marketing operations.

Operations Impact: This role's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness of student recruitment and campus-wide marketing efforts. High-quality, on-brand design assets contribute to positive first impressions, clear communication of value propositions, and ultimately, enrollment numbers. Efficient content repurposing also optimizes marketing spend and team resources.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Higher Education Marketing: Deepen expertise in the unique design needs and strategies of the higher education sector.

• Advanced Design Skills: Develop expertise in areas like motion graphics, advanced web design, or data visualization, potentially leading to more senior or specialized design roles.

• Project Management: Gain experience managing design projects from concept to completion, potentially leading to a design lead or project management role within a marketing team.

• Brand Strategy: Contribute more significantly to the evolution and governance of the college's brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While primarily a design role, its integration with marketing operations and strategic goals offers avenues for growth that lean into process and impact. Candidates demonstrating an understanding of how their creative output serves business objectives will be well-positioned for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at Keene State College. This suggests a traditional office environment within a campus setting.

Office Location(s): Keene, New Hampshire. The description highlights the scenic Monadnock region, offering access to outdoor recreation and cultural events, suggesting a good work-life balance potential.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves close collaboration with writers, photographers, videographers, and digital strategists, implying a team-oriented workspace designed for interaction.

• Access to Operations Tools: Expect access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially project management or digital asset management tools.

• Campus Integration: Working within a college campus offers opportunities for interaction with diverse departments and a vibrant academic atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected. While there might be occasional needs for flexibility during peak campaign periods, the core schedule is likely structured.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles that benefit from in-person collaboration and access to specific equipment or studio spaces. The emphasis on collaboration suggests an open or team-based workspace designed to foster communication among marketing and creative professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes, cover letters, and portfolios will be reviewed for qualifications and creative alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, rationale, and the impact of their work on specific projects. This is a critical step to assess creative problem-solving and communication skills.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A design challenge or a practical exercise using Adobe Creative Suite may be administered to evaluate technical proficiency and problem-solving under timed conditions.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager, potential collaborators (writer, digital strategist), and possibly campus partners to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of higher education marketing.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates multi-channel capabilities, brand adherence, and ideally, contributions to marketing objectives (especially recruitment).

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Use visual aids effectively.

• Highlight Process: For operations-minded reviewers, emphasize your workflow, how you manage feedback, your approach to brand guidelines, and any efficiency improvements you implemented (like CODM).

• Showcase Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and how you leverage its features.

• Tailor to Higher Ed: If possible, include examples that resonate with the higher education sector or demonstrate an understanding of its unique communication needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Brand Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the University of New Hampshire and Keene State College branding if publicly available.

• Understand Marketing Objectives: Think about common marketing goals in higher education (enrollment, retention, alumni engagement) and how design supports them.

• Practice Time Management: If a timed challenge is anticipated, practice completing design tasks within strict deadlines.

• Focus on Clarity and Brand: For any design challenge, prioritize clear communication and adherence to brand principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and the potential for a design challenge are standard for creative roles. However, for this position, candidates should explicitly highlight their ability to translate strategic goals into design, their process efficiency (like CODM), and their understanding of how design supports broader organizational objectives, aligning with operations principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout design of print collateral (Viewbook, flyers, mailers). Expect proficiency in typography, pre-press setup, and template creation.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, manipulation, and creating digital graphics for web and social media.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Key for vector graphics, icons, logos, and illustrations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing) or CRM-driven campaigns would be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The role's emphasis on digital assets also implies a need for understanding file optimization for web and social media. While direct CRM/automation tool experience isn't listed as required, an understanding of how these tools deploy creative assets can enhance collaboration with digital marketing teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Strategic Impact: Designs are not just aesthetically pleasing but serve clear strategic purposes, primarily student recruitment and institutional branding.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively within a creative team and with various campus stakeholders, valuing input and shared goals.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Employs methods like CODM to maximize asset value and streamline workflows, demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence.

• Brand Stewardship: Upholds and advances the college's visual identity with diligence and consistency.

• Commitment to Education: Contributes to the mission of higher education through impactful communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively participates in team meetings and project discussions with writers, photographers, and digital strategists to ensure cohesive campaign development.

• Feedback Integration: Open to constructive criticism and able to iterate on designs based on feedback from team members and campus partners.

• Proactive Communication: Keeps stakeholders informed about project status, potential challenges, and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a results-oriented approach to design, where creativity is channeled towards achieving specific business objectives (enrollment, branding). This aligns with the operational mindset of driving measurable outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Successfully developing innovative designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

• Prioritization in a Demanding Environment: Managing competing demands from various campus departments and enrollment initiatives, ensuring critical projects receive timely attention.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with new social media formats, design trends, and digital platform requirements to ensure assets remain relevant and effective.

• Content Repurposing Efficiency: Effectively transforming core assets into multiple formats without compromising quality or brand integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Higher Education Marketing Best Practices: Gaining in-depth knowledge of successful marketing strategies within the university sector.

• Advanced Digital Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply new techniques in areas like motion graphics, interactive design, or UX/UI for web.

• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in managing complex design projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.

• Brand Strategy Development: Contributing to the evolution and refinement of the college's brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability, strong project management, and a strategic approach to design. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in a specific industry and expanding technical or project leadership capabilities, common pathways for professionals in operations-adjacent roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a design that met strict brand guidelines while also being innovative and engaging. How did you balance these needs?" (Assesses creativity within constraints, brand adherence).

• "Walk us through your process for creating a multi-channel campaign, from concept to final asset delivery. How do you ensure consistency?" (Evaluates workflow, process thinking, and cross-channel strategy).

• "How do you approach transforming a core piece of content (like a video or photo) into various digital assets for different platforms?" (Tests understanding of CODM principle and resourcefulness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in higher education marketing at Keene State College specifically?" (Assesses motivation and cultural fit).

• "How do you collaborate with non-designers, such as writers or strategists, to achieve project goals?" (Evaluates communication and teamwork skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the creative process, the design solution, and the results.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics (e.g., engagement rates, click-through rates, enrollment inquiries) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Showcase Process Efficiency: Highlight examples where you optimized workflows, repurposed content effectively, or adhered to brand standards rigorously.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any specific techniques you employed.

• Enthusiasm for the Mission: Express genuine interest in supporting the college's mission through your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent, but also a strategic, process-oriented mindset. Candidates should be ready to discuss their workflow, how they contribute to broader marketing goals, and their ability to work efficiently within a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of multi-channel design, print collateral, and digital assets relevant to marketing and recruitment, particularly if you have higher education or non-profit experience.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, brand management, and successful marketing campaigns. Use keywords from the job description like "student recruitment," "brand guidelines," and "content repurposing."

• Portfolio Walkthrough Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss the "Capture Once, Distribute Many" concept if you have relevant experience.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Keene State College's mission, current marketing efforts (if visible online), and overall brand identity to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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