Graphic Designer - Campus Services - 102636 - Grade 5

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Campus Services

Company: University of Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Category: Marketing & Communications / Graphic Design

Date Posted: March 13, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal within the Campus Services Marketing & Communications team, focusing on the creation of dynamic online and offline design materials.

• The position emphasizes collaborative design practices, fostering skill-sharing and development among a team of designers.

• Responsibilities include supporting a diverse portfolio of campaigns across various Campus Services departments, from conferences to student living.

• The role requires a strong technical proficiency in industry-standard design software and an understanding of user experience principles to enhance design effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided job description is for a Graphic Designer role within a university's Campus Services department. While not a direct Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role, the emphasis on creating marketing collateral, supporting campaigns, liaising with external vendors (printers), and understanding user experience principles has operational implications. These skills are transferable to operations roles that require strong communication, project management, and the ability to translate strategic objectives into tangible outputs. The "Dimensions," "Planning and organising," and "Problem solving and decision making" sections also highlight operational aspects of the role, such as initiative, project management, and proactive problem-solving.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce visually appealing online and offline collateral to support the objectives of Campus Services departments, including Conferences & Events, Edgbaston Park Hotel, Food Beverage and Retail, Facility Services, Security, Student Living, and internal communications.

• Create a range of assets such as digital banners, email signatures, booklets, brochures, flyers, pull-up banners, website content, and presentation templates, working both independently and collaboratively.

• Generate high-quality, accurate final files for print and digital specifications, including proof-checking, archiving, and daily server filing.

• Apply User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) principles to provide insights and recommendations for improving user journeys across design materials.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs align with overarching University branding and strategic objectives.

• Act as a technical expert, advising on design scoping, equipment, software, and contributing to the review and enhancement of production and working processes.

• Liaise with external parties, such as printers, to ensure smooth project execution and client satisfaction.

• Research and review market trends in design to maintain a contemporary and effective visual output.

• Work with internal teams to measure the effectiveness of design work and contribute to campaign performance analysis.

• Support the wider marketing and communications team with ad-hoc duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management and stakeholder collaboration, which are core to operations roles. The requirement to "advise on all areas of design, including scoping projects, equipment, software and feeding into the review and enhancement production and working processes" directly relates to process optimization and operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Educated to A Level standard, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification (e.g., Level 3 NVQ, Level 3 National Diploma).

Experience:

• Professional experience in a Communications, Events, Design, and/or Marketing role.

Required Skills:

• Extensive practical experience using industry-standard design packages: Adobe Creative Cloud (Aftereffects, InDesign, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Premier Pro, Acrobat).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and website editing software.

• Thorough understanding of graphic design principles, typography, and digital standards.

• Solid understanding of UX and UI principles to enhance user experience.

• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

• Proactive approach to staying updated with design trends and industry advancements.

• Understanding of print and print specifications.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to inspire confidence and provide excellent customer service.

• Ability to work effectively in a large, complex organization and understand higher education institutional dynamics.

• Ability to understand and apply policy and procedures.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of event CMS platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical skills listed (Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office, website editing software) are foundational for many operations roles that involve data visualization, reporting, and content creation. The emphasis on UX/UI, print/digital specifications, and understanding organizational structures are also highly relevant to operations professionals who need to design user-friendly systems and processes within complex environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of online and offline design projects, demonstrating ability to create assets for various platforms and purposes.

• Include examples of projects supporting campaigns or departmental objectives, highlighting the strategic intent behind the design.

• Present final files prepared to print and digital specifications, demonstrating attention to detail and technical accuracy.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how design projects were scoped, planned, and managed from inception to completion.

• Illustrate workflow management, including how multiple projects were handled concurrently and deadlines were met.

• Showcase collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including printers, and how communication was managed to ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not strictly operations, the expectation to document and showcase project management, workflow, and stakeholder liaison in a portfolio is directly applicable to operations roles that require demonstrating process optimization and project execution capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Starting salary typically between £29,647 and £31,460 GBP per annum.

Benefits:

• 40 days of paid holiday per year.

• One paid day per year for volunteering.

• Occupational sick pay.

• Comprehensive pension scheme.

• Three high-quality, subsidised day nurseries.

• Access to the sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme for development opportunities.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, Permanent position.

• The role requires flexibility and adaptability to work hours to meet deadlines and manage concurrent projects, indicating a standard full-time commitment with potential for occasional extended hours as project demands dictate. The mentioned "40 days paid holiday" implies a standard work year structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided aligns with mid-level creative roles in the UK public sector. The benefits package is comprehensive, including generous holiday entitlement and professional development, which are attractive to professionals seeking stability and growth. The mention of flexible working is also a key consideration for many professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

Company Size: Large (University of Birmingham is a major global institution with thousands of employees).

Founded: The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900, with a rich history of over 100 years.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer is part of the Campus Services Marketing & Communications team, which is a sub-department within the broader University of Birmingham structure.

• This team likely comprises various marketing and communications specialists, including other designers, content creators, and campaign managers.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on creating engaging online and offline collateral to support departmental objectives and university-wide campaigns.

• Collaborative approach to design, fostering joint learning and development.

• Data-driven insights are encouraged, with a requirement to measure the effectiveness of design work and utilize UX/UI principles to improve user journeys.

• Adherence to University branding guidelines and strategic objectives is paramount.

• A commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion is integrated into daily operations and company values.

Company Website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Birmingham's culture is characterized by a commitment to research, education, and community engagement. For a Graphic Designer role within Campus Services, this translates to a dynamic environment where creativity supports diverse operational functions. The emphasis on collaboration, professional development (Birmingham Professional programme), and inclusivity are key cultural pillars.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer. It requires specialized technical skills and a degree of autonomy in project execution, but it is not typically a leadership or strategic operations management role.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a manager within the Campus Services Marketing & Communications team. This manager likely oversees the day-to-day operations and output of the design function.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing operational processes, the Graphic Designer's work has a significant impact on the perception and effectiveness of Campus Services. High-quality, targeted design collateral can improve event attendance, enhance brand recognition for services, support marketing campaigns, and contribute to a positive user experience for students, staff, and visitors. This indirectly supports the operational efficiency and success of various Campus Services departments by facilitating communication and engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications, UX/UI design, and potentially event CMS platforms.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Working with diverse departments within Campus Services provides exposure to different operational areas and their unique communication needs.

• Professional Development: Access to the "Birmingham Professional" programme offers structured learning and development opportunities, potentially in areas like project management, leadership, or advanced design techniques.

• Internal Mobility: Potential to move into senior designer roles, specialized design areas, or related marketing/communications positions within the University.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential for a Graphic Designer in this environment lies in deepening their creative and technical expertise, understanding the operational needs of various university departments, and leveraging professional development programs to advance within the institution's marketing or communications functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston campus. It is implied that the designer will work within a team environment, likely in an office setting designed for creative collaboration.

Office Location(s): University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. The campus is described as beautiful and situated in a leafy area with excellent transport links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment with fellow designers and the wider Marketing & Communications team.

• Access to necessary design equipment and software.

• Proximity to various Campus Services departments provides opportunities for direct interaction and understanding of their operational needs.

• The campus itself offers amenities such as shops, places to eat and drink, a sports centre, art gallery, museum, and botanical gardens, contributing to a positive on-site experience.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, with a need for flexibility to manage project deadlines. The University also promotes flexible working arrangements where possible, which may apply to this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Edgbaston campus setting suggests a professional and well-resourced work environment conducive to creative output and collaboration. The emphasis on on-site work indicates a preference for in-person teamwork and access to campus resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, likely focusing on CV, qualifications, and portfolio.

• First Interview: May involve discussion of experience, skills, and a review of portfolio pieces. This stage will assess technical proficiency and understanding of design principles.

• Second Interview/Assessment: Potential for a practical design task or case study related to a Campus Services challenge. This will evaluate problem-solving abilities, creativity under pressure, and alignment with University branding.

• Final Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Variety: Include a range of online and offline projects, demonstrating versatility across different media (digital banners, print collateral, presentations, web assets).

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Emphasize how you addressed user needs (UX/UI) and met objectives.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign results).

• University Context: Tailor your portfolio to show an understanding of the higher education environment and the specific needs of Campus Services departments. Demonstrate how your designs would support their operational goals.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure files are well-organized and presented professionally, showcasing your ability to produce print-ready and web-optimized assets.

Challenge Preparation:

• Analyze University Branding: Familiarize yourself with the University of Birmingham's visual identity guidelines and brand voice.

• Understand Campus Services: Research the different departments within Campus Services to grasp their functions and potential design needs.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Prepare to tackle a hypothetical design brief that requires you to create collateral for a specific event or service, demonstrating your ability to translate objectives into creative solutions.

• UX/UI Focus: Be ready to discuss how you would apply UX/UI principles to improve a specific piece of university collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design tasks indicates that practical skills and the ability to demonstrate past success are crucial. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and the impact of their work, mirroring how operations professionals present case studies of process improvements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Extensive practical experience required in:

  • Adobe Photoshop (raster graphics editing, image manipulation)
  • Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations)
  • Adobe InDesign (layout design for print and digital publications like brochures, flyers, booklets)
  • Adobe After Effects (motion graphics, animation for digital content)
  • Adobe Premier Pro (video editing for promotional materials)
  • Adobe Dreamweaver (web design and development, though less emphasized than other tools)
  • Adobe Acrobat (PDF creation, editing, and management)

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint (for presentation templates), and likely Excel for data handling.

• Website Editing Software: Experience with Content Management Systems (CMS) for website content updates.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how marketing automation platforms might use designed assets could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of Adobe Creative Cloud applications is a critical requirement. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable. The mention of "website editing software" and "event CMS platforms" suggests a need for digital-first thinking and adaptability to various content management systems used within the University.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together with fellow designers and cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals and foster a supportive learning environment.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouragement to produce visually appealing and engaging designs, staying updated with market trends to keep work fresh and innovative.

• User-Centricity: Commitment to understanding and improving user journeys through thoughtful application of UX/UI principles.

• Efficiency & Accuracy: Dedication to producing high-quality, accurate final files and managing workflows effectively to meet deadlines.

• Professionalism: Maintaining excellent customer service, inspiring confidence, and upholding University standards in all interactions.

• Inclusivity: Supporting equality and valuing diversity in all aspects of work and interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expected to work both independently and collaboratively with other designers, sharing knowledge and skills.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaising effectively with internal departments across Campus Services and external partners like printers.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback to improve designs and processes.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to the review and enhancement of production and working processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values align with a modern, professional creative team within a large institution. The emphasis on collaboration, continuous improvement, and user focus are highly relevant to operations professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Creating designs that effectively serve a wide array of Campus Services departments, each with unique branding, objectives, and target audiences.

• Adhering to Brand Guidelines: Ensuring all designs are consistent with the overarching University of Birmingham brand, which can sometimes be restrictive but is essential for institutional cohesion.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous design projects with varying deadlines and priorities, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design trends, software updates, and digital technologies while maintaining efficiency.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of design work can be challenging, requiring collaboration with marketing teams to gather relevant data.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Deepening expertise in motion graphics, video editing, or specialized areas of graphic design.

• UX/UI Specialization: Developing a more in-depth understanding and application of user experience and interface design principles.

• Project Management: Enhancing skills in project scoping, planning, and execution through direct involvement in diverse projects.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gaining insight into the operational functions of various Campus Services departments and how marketing/design supports them.

• Professional Development Programs: Leveraging the "Birmingham Professional" programme for formal training in areas like leadership, communication, or advanced software applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability, strong organizational skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving – all critical traits for operations roles. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning and specialization, which are key for career progression in any professional field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your typical design process from receiving a brief to delivering final assets. How do you ensure client needs and objectives are met?" (Focus on workflow, stakeholder communication, and iterative design).

• Brand Consistency: "How would you approach creating a design for [specific Campus Service, e.g., a student event] while ensuring it aligns with the University of Birmingham's brand guidelines?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand governance and creative problem-solving within constraints).

• UX/UI Application: "Can you give an example of a project where you applied UX/UI principles to improve user experience? What was the outcome?" (Highlight analytical thinking and user-centric design).

• Collaboration & Conflict: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or resolve a design disagreement. How did you handle it?" (Assess interpersonal skills and conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• University Understanding: "What interests you about working for a university, specifically the University of Birmingham, and how do you see your role contributing to its mission?" (Show research into the institution and its values).

• Teamwork: "How do you approach collaboration with other designers and marketing professionals?" (Align with the team's collaborative culture).

• Sustainability/Inclusivity: "The University emphasizes sustainability and inclusivity. How might these values influence your design approach?" (Demonstrate awareness and alignment with core institutional values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, moving through key projects with a clear story for each. Start with context, explain your role and process, detail the solution, and conclude with the results.

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your skills relevant to the job description (variety of assets, UX/UI application, collaboration).

• Explain Your 'Why': For each project, articulate the strategic intent, the challenges faced, and the rationale behind your design decisions.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation slides are clean, well-designed, and easy to follow, reflecting your own design capabilities.

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss software used, technical specifications for print/digital, and any challenges overcome during production.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your choices, problem-solving, and future design interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for this interview requires demonstrating not only creative talent but also an understanding of process, collaboration, and the ability to operate within a large, structured organization like a university. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, akin to an operations professional presenting a case study of a process improvement.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud recruitment portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to creating a variety of online and offline collateral for diverse departments, as well as any experience with UX/UI principles or event CMS platforms. Ensure it showcases technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to emphasize professional experience in Communications, Marketing, or Design roles, clearly listing your proficiency with the required software packages (Adobe Creative Cloud, MS Office) and any relevant qualifications (A Levels, GCSEs). Highlight achievements related to project management, meeting deadlines, and stakeholder collaboration.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, showcasing your portfolio with a strong narrative, and preparing to discuss how your skills align with the University of Birmingham's values and the specific needs of Campus Services. Be ready for potential design challenges.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the University of Birmingham, its mission, values, and the various departments within Campus Services. Understand their objectives and how design supports their operational goals. Review their brand guidelines and recent marketing materials.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on the provided information. All details regarding responsibilities, qualifications, compensation, and the application process should be verified directly with the hiring organization or hiring manager, Ian Hughes (i.j.hughes@bham.ac.uk), before making application decisions. The note regarding AI use in applications is a direct instruction from the employer and should be heeded.