Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Westminster University

Location: Salt Lake City, UT, US

Job Type: Full-Time Benefited

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Services

Date Posted: December 10, 2025

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Conceptualize and execute creative ideas for a variety of digital and print materials, focusing on marketing and recruitment for prospective students.

• Act as a steward for the Westminster University brand, ensuring all design outputs adhere to established graphic and visual identity standards.

• Collaborate closely with the Art Director and cross-functional teams to develop compelling campaign materials from concept through completion.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, balancing creative execution with tight deadlines and project success metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the Marketing, Communication, and Events team, strongly suggesting a focus on GTM (Go-To-Market) initiatives, particularly in student recruitment. The emphasis on digital and print collateral for Admissions indicates a need for designers who understand how to translate institutional messaging into effective visual assets that drive engagement and conversion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing collateral for both digital platforms (web, social media, email) and print (brochures, flyers, posters).

• Maintain and enforce the Westminster University brand guidelines, ensuring consistency in visual identity across all university communications.

• Partner with the Art Director and Marketing & Communications team to brainstorm and develop innovative design concepts for campaigns and individual projects.

• Present design ideas and rationale effectively to internal stakeholders, including the Art Director, marketing team, and departmental clients.

• Ensure the highest standards of production quality for all design materials, from initial concept to final delivery.

• Manage a diverse project load, prioritizing tasks and allocating time efficiently to meet multiple deadlines simultaneously.

• Engage and collaborate with campus partners throughout the design lifecycle, incorporating feedback and ensuring project alignment.

• Oversee projects from initial concept development through final execution, focusing on achieving project objectives and overall success.

• Uphold a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and dependability in all work performed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and brand stewardship. The requirement to "conceptualize and execute ideas" and "provide design concepts" points to a role that requires not just technical skill but also strategic thinking in visual communication. Managing multiple projects and working with campus partners highlights the need for strong project management and interpersonal skills within a university operational context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a field related to communication (e.g., Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Fine Arts with a design focus).

Experience: 2+ years of related professional experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on creating marketing and campaign materials.

Required Skills:

• Proven graphic design experience demonstrated through a strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of projects across various media.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential for high-quality design production.

• Basic knowledge of Canva, indicating an understanding of accessible design tools for broader team use.

• Excellent time-management and organization skills, crucial for managing multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, enabling clear articulation of design concepts and rationale.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and campus partners on creative projects.

• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills and the ability to professionally receive and incorporate feedback and critique on design work.

• Experience producing multiple design pieces that function cohesively as part of a larger campaign.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for higher education or within a university marketing/communications department.

• Familiarity with digital design principles for web and social media platforms.

• Understanding of print production processes and best practices.

• Ability to contribute to brand strategy and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "related to communication" degree requirement, coupled with 2+ years of experience, positions this as an early-to-mid-career role. The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Canva indicates a need for both professional-grade design software proficiency and an awareness of more accessible design tools. The emphasis on conflict resolution and accepting critique is vital for a collaborative university environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 diverse projects that illustrate a strong grasp of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout.

• Demonstrate experience in creating integrated campaigns, with examples showing how individual pieces (digital ads, social graphics, print brochures) work together cohesively.

• Include case studies or project descriptions that highlight your design process, from initial concept and brainstorming through to final deliverables and any measurable outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Your portfolio should implicitly reflect your design process: how you approach project briefs, conduct research (if applicable), develop initial concepts, iterate based on feedback, and finalize assets.

• Be prepared to discuss your workflow for managing multiple projects, utilizing design software efficiently, and collaborating with stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle.

• Candidates should be able to articulate how they ensure brand consistency and adherence to design standards within their workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on showcasing not just aesthetic quality but also process, strategic thinking, and campaign integration. The university context suggests a need for designers who can work within established brand frameworks while still being creative.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Full-time, benefited position, indicating eligibility for comprehensive employee benefits.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k or similar) with potential employer match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education relevant to graphic design and marketing.

• Access to university resources and facilities.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While specific hours may be flexible, the role is on-site and requires consistent availability during standard business hours to support campus needs and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within typical entry-to-mid-level graphic designer compensation in the Salt Lake City area. As a full-time benefited position at a university, it's reasonable to infer a standard benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid time off, which is competitive for the non-profit education sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Academic Services. Westminster University operates within the dynamic landscape of higher education, focusing on liberal arts and comprehensive university offerings.

Company Size: Westminster University is a medium-sized institution, likely employing several hundred to a few thousand staff and faculty. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't provided, Westminster University has a history, implying an established institutional culture and long-standing traditions. The "vibrant community of Sugar House in Salt Lake City" context highlights its integration within a specific local environment.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Office of Marketing, Communication, and Events. This team likely comprises various specialists, including writers, editors, digital marketers, event planners, and other creative professionals.

• The role reports to the Art Director, indicating a hierarchical structure within the creative department.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, effective marketing and recruitment in higher education increasingly rely on data analytics to inform design choices and measure campaign success. The designer will likely contribute to data-informed visual strategies.

• Collaborative Workflow: The emphasis on working with the Art Director, Marketing team, and campus partners points to a collaborative approach to project development and feedback.

• Brand Stewardship: A core methodology will be adherence to and promotion of the Westminster University brand and visual identity standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as valuing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, global responsibility, and wellness. The mention of building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community is a significant cultural indicator. For a designer, this means understanding how to visually represent these values and contribute to an inclusive campus environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-to-mid-level Graphic Designer. It offers the opportunity to build a strong portfolio and gain experience in a structured marketing and communications department within a higher education setting.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report directly to the Art Director. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight, with opportunities to learn advanced design techniques and strategic brand management from a senior creative professional.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts student recruitment and institutional branding. By creating effective visual assets for Admissions and other departments, they contribute to the university's ability to attract prospective students, engage current students, and maintain a strong public image. This role is crucial for translating the university's mission and values into compelling visual narratives that resonate with target audiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific design areas such as digital design, motion graphics, or branding, depending on departmental needs and individual interest.

• Project Leadership: With experience, potentially lead design aspects for specific campaigns or projects, gaining project management experience.

• Career Advancement: Progression could lead to a Senior Graphic Designer role, Art Director, or a specialized marketing/communications position within the university or broader higher education sector.

• Learning & Development: Access to workshops, conferences, and online courses to stay current with design trends and software advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities highlight how this role can serve as a stepping stone. The university environment provides stability and a chance to become an expert in higher education marketing, a niche that can be highly valuable. The reporting structure to an Art Director is ideal for skill development in a creative field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the Westminster University campus in Salt Lake City, UT. This is not a remote position.

Office Location(s): Westminster University campus, 1840 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84105. Located in the Sugar House area, offering a vibrant community setting.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will work within the Office of Marketing, Communication, and Events, likely a collaborative space designed for creative teams.

• Access to industry-standard design software and technology is expected.

• Opportunities for interaction with other marketing professionals, Art Director, and campus partners will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While specific daily start/end times might offer some flexibility, the on-site nature requires consistent presence during business hours to support ongoing university operations and collaborative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. This environment is conducive to hands-on collaboration, spontaneous brainstorming, and direct feedback, which are often crucial for creative roles. The university setting implies a professional, academic atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio quality.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the hiring team (Art Director, potentially Marketing Director). Be prepared to walk through key projects, discuss your design process, rationale, and how you handled challenges.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A potential exercise could involve a small design task or critique session to assess creative problem-solving, technical skills, and understanding of brand guidelines.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess collaboration skills, conflict resolution, ability to take feedback, time management, and cultural fit within the university's values (e.g., diversity, inclusion, critical thinking).

• Final Interview: With senior leadership, potentially including the VP of Marketing or other key stakeholders.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates campaign integration, digital and print versatility, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, your creative solutions, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively and keep text concise.

• Highlight Process: Be ready to discuss your workflow, software proficiency, and how you incorporated feedback. Show that you can move from concept to completion efficiently.

• Showcase Brand Understanding: Include examples where you've worked within existing brand guidelines or developed new visual identities. For this role, demonstrating an understanding of university branding is key.

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

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Westminster University's mission, values, target audience (students, faculty, alumni), and existing branding.

• Practice Design Critiques: Be prepared to discuss design choices constructively and receive feedback gracefully.

• Time Management: If given a design challenge, plan your approach, allocate time for different stages (ideation, execution, refinement), and ensure you deliver a polished output within the given timeframe.

• Articulate Your Vision: Practice explaining your design decisions clearly and concisely, linking them back to project objectives and brand goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review, design challenges, and behavioral questions assessing collaboration and feedback handling is standard for creative roles. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their ability to function effectively within a university's established structure and culture.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. Proficiency expected in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating professional print and digital assets.

• Canva: Basic knowledge required, indicating its use for simpler graphics or by other team members. Familiarity with its capabilities and limitations is beneficial.

• Project Management Software: Likely used by the team (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) for task tracking and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct requirement for CRM or automation tools for this design role, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Canva defines the core technical requirements. For a university marketing department, these tools are standard. The implied need for project management and understanding of analytics suggests a modern, results-oriented marketing team.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to visual communication.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues and campus partners to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and promoting the Westminster University brand with pride and consistency.

• Efficiency & Organization: Managing time and projects effectively to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Promoting an inclusive environment and ensuring design work is representative and accessible.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires close collaboration within the Marketing, Communication, and Events team, and with the Art Director.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Actively working with various departments across campus, requiring clear communication and a service-oriented approach.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive criticism and iteration as part of the design process.

• Process-Focused: Adherence to brand guidelines and established workflows for consistency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The university's stated values of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, global responsibility, and wellness are central. For a designer, this translates to creating work that is thoughtful, innovative, inclusive, and aligned with the institution's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Designing impactful visuals while strictly adhering to established university brand guidelines can be challenging.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests and feedback from various departments, each with potentially different priorities and aesthetic preferences.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of marketing and university communications often requires delivering high-quality work under pressure.

• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with digital design trends and technologies while maintaining brand consistency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools.

• Higher Education Marketing Trends: Learning about best practices in student recruitment marketing and university branding.

• Cross-Departmental Projects: Gaining exposure to different areas of university operations through collaborative projects.

• Professional Workshops & Conferences: Attending industry events to enhance skills and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a large institution with established branding. The growth opportunities are framed within the context of higher education marketing and design skill development, offering a clear path for professional advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process for adhering to brand while still being innovative.)

• "Walk us through a campaign you designed from concept to completion. What were the objectives, your design process, and the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Westminster University's mission and values, and how would your design work reflect them?" (Research their website thoroughly, focusing on diversity, inclusion, liberal arts.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as marketing managers or admissions staff?" (Highlight your communication style and ability to translate design concepts.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your presentation around key projects, detailing the problem, your solution, and the results.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images of your work. Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate.

• Process Emphasis: Be prepared to discuss your design workflow, software usage, and how you manage multiple projects.

• Brand Alignment: Clearly articulate how your designs align with or could enhance the Westminster University brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also an understanding of the university's mission and a collaborative, process-oriented work style. Candidates should be ready to showcase their portfolio as evidence of their skills and approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience most relevant to higher education marketing and student recruitment. Ensure your digital portfolio is easily accessible and showcases your strongest work, particularly examples of campaign integration and brand adherence.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Brand Identity," "Marketing Collateral," "Digital Design," "Print Design," "Campaign Development," and "Project Management." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed collateral for campaigns that increased lead generation by X%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your creative decisions, and discussing how you handle feedback. Be ready to present your portfolio and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, time management, and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Westminster University website, paying close attention to their mission, values, target audience, and current branding. Understand their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

⚠️ 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.