Graphic Designer - Multimedia

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Multimedia

Company: Harper College

Location: Palatine, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Education

Date Posted: 2026-05-12T15:07:26

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and executes creative concepts for integrated marketing campaigns across print, web, and video platforms, ensuring alignment with established brand identity standards.

• Manages the end-to-end design production process for various marketing collateral, from initial concept to final delivery, utilizing industry-standard design software.

• Collaborates effectively with internal clients and marketing services team members to deliver design solutions that meet strategic, budgetary, and scheduling objectives.

• Supports the organization and metadata tagging of photography within the College’s digital asset management (DAM) system to ensure efficient retrieval and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title and description point towards a creative role, the emphasis on "integrated marketing campaign elements," "brand identity standards," "digital asset management (DAM)," and "collaboration with clients and marketing service team members" suggests a strong connection to marketing operations and GTM strategies. This role will likely involve understanding how design assets support broader marketing initiatives and require organization for efficient campaign deployment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of creative assets, including digital graphics, print collateral, web banners, social media content, and video elements, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, from brief to final delivery, prioritizing tasks and meeting internal and external deadlines effectively.

• Collaborate closely with marketing strategists, content creators, and other stakeholders to translate campaign objectives into compelling visual designs.

• Organize, tag, and maintain digital assets within the College's Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, ensuring proper categorization, metadata, and accessibility for internal users.

• Assist the Visual Content Specialist with photography and video production needs as required, contributing to the overall visual storytelling of the college.

• Solicit, review, and recommend vendor quotes for external print and production services, and coordinate with internal printshop and external vendors to ensure quality and timely execution of print materials.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, marketing technologies, and digital innovations, proactively recommending new tools, practices, and creative approaches to enhance marketing efforts.

• Utilize industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud) and project management platforms to produce, track, and deliver projects efficiently.

• Coordinate and manage work from freelance designers, photographers, and external agencies, providing clear briefs and constructive feedback to ensure project success.

• Ensure all design deliverables comply with brand standards, accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG), and overall quality expectations for both print and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for project management skills, vendor coordination, and a strong understanding of brand consistency, which are crucial in operations roles that support marketing and GTM functions. The mention of "marketing campaign elements" and "digital asset management" implies a need to understand how design supports broader strategic initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Multimedia Arts, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of three years of professional graphic design experience, with a focus on multimedia and integrated marketing campaigns.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition.

• Expertise in industry-standard design software, particularly the Adobe Creative Cloud suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign.

• Experience with multimedia design tools such as After Effects and Premiere Pro for motion graphics and video editing.

• Strong understanding of brand identity development and maintenance, ensuring consistency across all creative outputs.

• Experience with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, including organization, metadata tagging, and retrieval processes.

• Familiarity with print production processes, including pre-press requirements, color management, and vendor coordination.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients and internal teams.

• Understanding of web design principles and digital media best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Generative AI tools for creative ideation and content generation.

• Proficiency in motion graphics and animation techniques.

• Experience in higher education marketing environments.

• Basic photography and videography skills.

• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, DAM systems, print production, and project management aligns with operational support roles. The preferred skills in Generative AI and project management tools further suggest a forward-thinking approach to creative operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects showcasing a range of skills, including branding, print collateral, digital graphics, web design elements, and motion graphics/video.

• Case studies that detail the design process from brief to execution, highlighting problem-solving approaches and strategic thinking behind the creative solutions.

• Demonstrations of how design outputs have supported specific marketing campaign objectives or organizational goals.

• Examples of work that adhere to brand guidelines and accessibility standards, with explanations of how these requirements were met.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design workflows are managed, from initial concept and client feedback to final asset delivery and asset management.

• Documentation illustrating how brand consistency is maintained across various media and projects.

• Examples of how project timelines and deadlines are managed and communicated.

• Demonstrations of how feedback is incorporated into design iterations and final deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with operational undertones, a portfolio that showcases not just aesthetic talent but also process efficiency, adherence to standards, and the ability to manage projects effectively will be highly valued. This includes demonstrating understanding of DAM systems and collaborative workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Palatine, IL area, and considering the part-time nature of the role, the estimated hourly rate is between $31.54 and $49.28 USD. This range reflects the blend of creative and operational responsibilities, including multimedia production and asset management.

Benefits:

• Part-time employees may be eligible for pro-rated benefits, which could include:

• Access to college facilities and resources.

• Professional development opportunities and training.

• Contribution to retirement plans (subject to eligibility).

• Potential for flexible scheduling to accommodate work-life balance.

• Opportunity to contribute to a dynamic educational institution.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position, with an estimated 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules and flexibility will be discussed during the interview process, with potential for some remote work or flexible on-site hours depending on project needs and departmental policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on average rates for similar roles and locations. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the specific terms of the part-time employment agreement. Benefits for part-time roles can vary significantly by institution.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education - Harper College is a community college dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education and training. This industry demands clear communication, strong brand representation, and a commitment to student success.

Company Size: Harper College is a large institution, typically employing hundreds to thousands of individuals, which implies a structured environment with established processes and a diverse range of departments for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Founded in 1965, Harper College has a long-standing history of serving its community, indicating a stable organization with established operational procedures and a deep understanding of its student base.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing Services Department, which is a common structure in educational institutions.

• This team may include specialists in content creation, digital marketing, communications, and potentially external vendor management.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing analytics to inform design choices and campaign effectiveness.

• Collaborative workflow processes, emphasizing teamwork and cross-departmental communication to ensure cohesive messaging.

• Emphasis on brand consistency and quality control across all marketing materials to uphold the college's reputation.

• Continuous improvement through staying updated on design and marketing trends, and incorporating new technologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a community college implies a focus on service, accessibility, and community engagement. The Marketing Services Department likely operates with a blend of creative execution and operational efficiency to support a wide array of college initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Specialist/Mid-Level Designer within the creative and marketing operations function. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and software, coupled with the ability to manage projects and assets effectively. The role involves executing creative strategies and ensuring operational efficiency in design production and asset management.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or the Director of Marketing Services. This reporting line will provide guidance on strategic priorities and project approvals, while also offering opportunities for mentorship and skill development within the marketing department.

Operations Impact: The work of this Graphic Designer directly impacts the college's brand perception, student recruitment, community engagement, and overall communication effectiveness. By creating compelling visuals and ensuring brand consistency, they help to drive enrollment, support fundraising efforts, and communicate the college's mission and value proposition. Efficient asset management also contributes to smoother marketing campaign execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, UX/UI design, or advanced digital asset management.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of larger marketing campaigns or take on more complex projects with greater strategic input.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Collaboration with various departments can lead to a broader understanding of institutional operations and marketing strategies.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or interns, developing leadership and training skills.

• Professional Development: Access to industry conferences, workshops, and online courses to stay current with design and marketing technology trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is primarily a creative role, its connection to marketing operations, DAM, and campaign support offers pathways for growth into roles that bridge creative execution with strategic operational planning and management within an educational institution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, implying a traditional office environment within the Harper College campus. The Marketing Services Department likely occupies a dedicated workspace designed for creative collaboration and individual focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Harper College's main campus at 1200 W Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067. This campus is a large educational facility with various amenities and departmental offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely foster collaboration with other designers, marketers, and content creators, encouraging idea sharing and feedback.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, high-performance computers, and potentially specialized equipment for multimedia production. The college's IT infrastructure will support digital asset management and project tracking tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with colleagues within the Marketing Services Department, as well as with clients from other college departments, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Work Schedule: As a part-time role (estimated 40 hours per week), the work schedule will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager. While on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily hours, but the emphasis will be on ensuring project coverage and meeting departmental needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving direct collaboration, access to specific equipment, and integration into a physical team environment. The work schedule flexibility will be a key discussion point during the interview process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to assess qualifications, design skills, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly in multimedia and brand consistency.

• First Interview: Typically with the Hiring Manager or a member of the Marketing Services team. This interview will focus on experience, technical skills (software proficiency), understanding of design principles, and initial assessment of cultural fit. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, discussing their creative process, strategic thinking, and how they managed projects. This is a critical stage for demonstrating multimedia capabilities and understanding of brand standards.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or a case study may be provided to evaluate real-time design skills, problem-solving abilities, and efficiency under time constraints. This could involve creating a graphic element or outlining a design workflow.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or a broader team, focusing on strategic thinking, collaboration, and long-term fit within the college's culture and marketing objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Breadth and Depth: Include examples of print, web, motion graphics, and video projects. Highlight your ability to work with brand guidelines.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Operations Aspects: Emphasize projects where you managed timelines, collaborated with stakeholders, utilized DAM systems, or coordinated with vendors.

• Demonstrate Multimedia Skills: Ensure your portfolio includes strong examples of motion graphics or video editing if applicable.

• Tailor to Harper College: Research Harper College's brand and marketing initiatives. If possible, include a speculative piece or explain how your skills align with their specific needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Scope: Be prepared for a design task that tests your ability to work with brand guidelines, create assets efficiently, and potentially incorporate multimedia elements.

• Time Management: Practice working within strict time limits. Prioritize tasks and focus on delivering a complete, well-reasoned solution.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design choices, rationale, and any assumptions made during the exercise.

• Consider Accessibility: If relevant to the task, demonstrate awareness of accessibility standards in your design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and potential design challenge indicates a strong focus on practical skills and the ability to translate creative concepts into tangible outputs that meet specific requirements, including operational ones like brand consistency and asset management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign for graphic design and layout.

• Motion Graphics & Video: After Effects for animation and motion graphics, Premiere Pro for video editing.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: Experience with or ability to quickly learn and utilize a DAM system for organizing, tagging, and retrieving visual assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand how visual content performs on digital platforms can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Proficiency with project management platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) for task tracking, workflow management, and collaboration.

• Understanding of content management systems (CMS) for web content integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Adobe Creative Cloud, DAM systems, and project management platforms are critical for this role. The ability to work within these systems efficiently is key to the operational success of the design function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful design work that meets brand standards and organizational goals.

• Collaboration and Communication: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across the college.

• Efficiency and Organization: Prioritizing organized workflows, effective asset management, and timely project delivery to support marketing operations.

• Continuous Learning and Innovation: Encouraging an environment where team members stay current with design trends, new technologies, and best practices, including areas like Generative AI.

• Student-Centricity: A dedication to supporting the college's mission of student success through clear, engaging, and informative communications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Marketing Services team will work closely with academic departments, administrative offices, and student services to understand their needs and deliver appropriate design solutions.

• Feedback Culture: An open environment where constructive feedback is shared and incorporated to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, techniques, and best practices to elevate the collective skill set of the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration, efficiency, and continuous learning is crucial for any operations-focused role, including this one. Understanding how design fits into the broader college ecosystem and supporting student success will be key cultural drivers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Working within established brand guidelines while still producing fresh and engaging creative concepts.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Catering to the varied requests and strategic objectives of different departments and clients within the college.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Integrating new design tools, software updates, and emerging trends (like Generative AI) into existing workflows.

• Prioritization and Time Management: Effectively juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines in a dynamic academic environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, particularly in motion graphics, video editing, or 3D design.

• Digital Asset Management Best Practices: Training on advanced DAM strategies for metadata, taxonomy, and workflow optimization.

• Generative AI for Design: Exploring and learning how to leverage AI tools for concept generation, asset creation, and workflow enhancement.

• Higher Education Marketing Trends: Gaining insights into effective marketing strategies specific to the educational sector.

• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in managing complex projects, vendor relations, and stakeholder communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities highlight the dynamic nature of design roles that also incorporate operational responsibilities. Staying current with technology and managing complex workflows are key areas for development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and adherence to standards.)

• "How do you manage your workflow when working on multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Highlight project management skills, prioritization, and communication.)

• "Walk us through a complex multimedia project from concept to completion. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Showcase your process, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Harper College specifically, and how do your skills align with our mission?" (Research the college's values, programs, and community impact.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design stakeholders or clients who may have different visions?" (Emphasize communication, empathy, and finding common ground.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Examples: Choose 3-5 projects that best represent your multimedia capabilities, brand adherence, and project management skills.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the objective, your role, the process, challenges, solutions, and the final outcome. Use visuals effectively to support your story.

• Highlight Operational Aspects: Specifically point out how you managed timelines, collaborated with teams, used DAM systems (if applicable), or coordinated with vendors for production.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about software proficiency, file formats, resolution, color profiles, and accessibility best practices.

• Engage and Ask Questions: Be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and the college's marketing goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also the operational acumen required to manage design projects effectively within an institutional setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Oracle Cloud application portal linked in the job posting.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your multimedia design work (print, web, video, motion graphics) and clearly demonstrates your ability to adhere to brand guidelines and manage projects. Include case studies that highlight your design process and problem-solving approach.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, multimedia production, Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, print production coordination, and project management. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed design assets for 10+ marketing campaigns annually").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining how you approach creative challenges, and discussing your experience with project management and stakeholder collaboration. Be ready to present your portfolio and answer scenario-based questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Harper College's mission, values, current marketing campaigns, and target audience. Understand how your design skills can contribute to their educational and community outreach goals.

⚠️ 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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