Graphic Designer (Part-Time)

Dallas Baptist University
Full-timeDallas, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Part-Time)

Company: Dallas Baptist University

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States

Job Type: Part Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: May 06, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is integral to the Marketing and Communications team, focusing on the strategic creation and execution of visual assets that uphold and enhance Dallas Baptist University's (DBU) brand identity and messaging across all platforms.

  • The Part-Time Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating DBU's mission, vision, and values into compelling visual narratives for both print and digital channels, ensuring brand consistency and impact.

  • This position requires a strong understanding of design principles, proficiency in industry-standard design software, and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently to meet deadlines.

  • The role involves close collaboration with various university departments, including social media and communications, to produce on-brand content and maintain a cohesive visual presence for DBU.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Graphic Designer, its placement within a university's Marketing and Communications team, with responsibilities for brand consistency, content calendars, and cross-departmental collaboration, positions it within an operational framework for creative output. This enhancement focuses on the operational aspects of creative production and brand management relevant to a university setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute graphic design projects that effectively communicate DBU's mission, vision, and values through compelling visual assets for both print and digital platforms.

  • Create a variety of design materials, including social media graphics, flyers, brochures, event collateral, email headers, and other marketing materials, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

  • Collaborate closely with the social media team to conceptualize and produce visually engaging content tailored to the unique specifications and audience engagement strategies of each platform.

  • Support the meticulous development and consistent application of DBU's visual brand standards, including typography, color palettes, imagery selection, and layout principles across all university-wide materials.

  • Contribute to the planning and execution of content calendars by designing key visual components for university campaigns, events, and significant academic dates, ensuring timely delivery.

  • Proactively manage and prioritize a diverse workload of multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring high standards of quality and timely completion.

  • Engage directly with project stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle, fostering clear communication, actively participating in the proofing and revision processes, and ensuring final deliverables meet all project objectives and specific requirements.

  • Skillfully receive, interpret, and incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, revising designs to effectively meet project goals and stringent brand guidelines.

  • Establish and maintain an organized and accessible library of design files, reusable templates, and essential brand assets for efficient access and utilization by the broader communications and marketing team.

  • Continuously research and integrate current design trends, emerging tools, and best practices to ensure DBU's visual presence remains contemporary, professional, and exceptionally effective in its communication.

  • Work synergistically with approved content creators, account managers, and other key stakeholders to ensure a unified and cohesive visual identity across all DBU-affiliated materials and communications.

  • Prepare print-ready files and coordinate with external vendors for the production of printed materials, ensuring quality and brand consistency in the final output.

  • Undertake various additional duties as assigned by the Director of Marketing and Communications, Senior Vice President, or President, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to departmental goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are common for operational roles within marketing departments. The emphasis on brand standards, content calendar support, vendor coordination, and stakeholder management highlights the operational nature of ensuring consistent and effective visual output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated expertise in graphic design principles, including layout composition, effective typography, sophisticated color theory, and compelling visual storytelling techniques across print and digital formats.

  • Proven proficiency in industry-standard design software, specifically Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

  • Strong visual communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts and key messaging into clear, impactful, and aesthetically pleasing designs.

  • Excellent organizational and project management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet strict deadlines.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively and professionally with cross-functional teams, including marketing, social media, and communications departments, to ensure brand consistency and unified messaging.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with Canva for quick design tasks and social media content creation.

  • Familiarity with higher education marketing strategies and institutional branding standards.

  • Basic understanding of web design principles and digital asset optimization for online platforms.

  • Experience in preparing files for print production and coordinating with vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section has been expanded to reflect the operational nuances of graphic design within a marketing context, emphasizing project management and collaboration. The mention of DBU's Christian mission is a critical non-negotiable qualification for this specific role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of creative design projects, demonstrating proficiency in layout, typography, color theory, and visual storytelling across both print and digital media.

  • The portfolio should highlight examples of social media graphics, marketing collateral (flyers, brochures), event materials, and any branding or identity work.

  • For each project, include a brief description of the objective, your role, the process, and the outcome or impact, if measurable.

Process Documentation:

  • Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial concept and client brief to final delivery and revision management.

  • Be prepared to discuss how you manage feedback, prioritize tasks, and ensure brand adherence throughout the design workflow.

  • Familiarity with content management systems or digital asset management systems for organizing and distributing design assets is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: For creative roles that support operational functions, a well-documented portfolio is crucial. This section emphasizes the need for candidates to demonstrate their process and how they manage creative workflows, which is a key operational skill.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • As this is a part-time role at a university, specific salary ranges are often determined by institutional pay scales based on experience, qualifications, and the specific departmental budget. Based on industry benchmarks for part-time Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Dallas, TX area, a competitive hourly rate would likely fall between $20 - $30 per hour.

Benefits:

  • While comprehensive benefits packages are typically reserved for full-time employees, part-time positions at Dallas Baptist University may offer some benefits, which can include:
    • Access to university facilities and resources.
    • Opportunities for professional development and training relevant to design and communications.
    • Potential for discounted tuition for employees or their dependents, if applicable and in line with university policy.

Working Hours:

  • This is a part-time position. The specific number of hours per week can vary, but it is typically expected to be less than 30 hours per week.

  • The working schedule and hours will be agreed upon with the hiring manager, with flexibility to accommodate project needs and university events, while maintaining consistency for core responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was estimated based on typical part-time graphic designer rates in the Dallas, TX area and the specified experience level. Benefits for part-time roles are often limited, so the listed benefits are general possibilities for university employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

Company Size: Established University with a significant student body and faculty, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand staff members.

Founded: Dallas Baptist University was founded in 1965, indicating a long-standing institution with established traditions and a clear mission.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing and Communications department, which is central to the university's external and internal outreach efforts.

  • This team likely includes specialists in areas such as content creation, social media management, digital marketing, public relations, and possibly web development.

Methodology:

  • DBU operates with a strong Christian mission, which influences all aspects of its operations, including marketing and communications. Design work is expected to align with theological principles and university values.

  • The department likely employs a collaborative approach to content development and brand management, using project management tools and regular team meetings to ensure alignment.

  • Data-informed decision-making may be used to assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, though creative execution is guided by brand standards and mission alignment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights the unique environment of a Christian university, emphasizing the importance of mission alignment in all roles, including creative ones. This influences the "culture" and "methodology" sections by framing operations within a faith-based context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and explore new design software and techniques. Potential to gain experience in specialized areas like motion graphics or UI/UX design if university needs evolve.

  • Portfolio Development: The role provides consistent opportunities to build a robust portfolio with diverse projects, serving as a strong foundation for future career advancement in design or marketing.

  • Industry Exposure: Experience working within a higher education environment offers unique insights into institutional marketing and communications, which can be valuable for long-term career growth in this sector.

  • Potential for Increased Hours: Depending on performance and university needs, there might be opportunities for increased hours or a transition to a full-time role in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Graphic Designer role within the operational structure of a university, detailing its impact and potential growth paths, considering it's a part-time position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace will likely be collaborative, fostering interaction with other members of the Marketing and Communications team. This environment is conducive to receiving feedback, brainstorming ideas, and ensuring brand consistency across different creative outputs.

  • Access to standard office technology, including computers with necessary design software, printers, and communication tools, will be provided.

Work Schedule:

  • This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule to be arranged with the hiring manager. While the exact hours may vary, the expectation is consistent availability for core responsibilities and project deadlines. The role is on-site, requiring physical presence at the university campus during scheduled work times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment emphasizes the collaborative and structured nature of operating within a university's marketing department, highlighting the on-site requirement and potential for interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for qualifications, experience, and alignment with the university's mission. A strong portfolio is critical at this stage.

  • Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates selected for an interview will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, decision-making rationale, and how they approach brand consistency.

  • Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or a case study related to university marketing may be administered to assess design skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with design software under timed conditions.

  • Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews will assess candidates' understanding of DBU's mission, their ability to collaborate, manage feedback, and their overall fit within the university's Christian community and professional environment.

  • Final Interview: A potential final interview with senior leadership (e.g., Director of Marketing and Communications, Senior Vice President, or President) may occur for finalist candidates.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (print, digital, social media, branding).

  • Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Highlight how you ensured brand consistency.

  • Highlight University/Non-Profit Work: If you have relevant experience in higher education or non-profit sectors, ensure these projects are prominently featured.

  • Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design choices, justify your creative decisions, and discuss how you handled feedback and revisions.

  • Demonstrate DBU Alignment: If possible, include a conceptual project or discuss how your design philosophy aligns with DBU's mission and values.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Practice Design Software: Refresh your skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, focusing on tasks common in university marketing (e.g., creating social graphics, event flyers).

  • Understand Brand Guidelines: Research DBU's existing brand guidelines (if publicly available) or be prepared to discuss how you would approach understanding and applying them.

  • Develop Communication Skills: Practice explaining your design choices clearly and concisely, as you will need to communicate effectively with non-design stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a creative role within an academic institution, emphasizing portfolio presentation and the importance of cultural fit alongside technical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop (raster graphics, photo editing), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print materials, publications).

  • Canva: Experience with Canva is considered a plus, indicating its potential use for rapid content creation, especially for social media and less complex collateral.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • The designer may interact with email marketing platforms or social media management tools to upload and schedule content, but direct CRM or automation tool operation is not a core requirement. Understanding how design assets integrate into these systems is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section specifies the core design software and mentions complementary tools, highlighting the operational context of using these technologies within a university's marketing workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Mission-Driven Excellence: A core value is to uphold the Christian mission of Dallas Baptist University in all creative outputs, ensuring designs reflect the university's values and communicate its purpose effectively.

  • Collaboration and Teamwork: The department emphasizes working together, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals, fostering a cohesive and productive work environment.

  • Attention to Detail: High standards for design quality, accuracy, and brand consistency are paramount, requiring meticulousness in every project.

  • Efficiency and Timeliness: As a part-time role supporting multiple needs, demonstrating efficiency in workflows and meeting deadlines is crucial for operational success.

  • Creativity and Innovation: While adhering to brand standards, the team values creative problem-solving and fresh design approaches to engage audiences effectively.

Collaboration Style:

  • The team likely fosters an open and communicative environment where feedback is welcomed and constructive criticism is used to improve design outcomes.

  • Cross-functional collaboration is key, with designers working closely with content writers, social media managers, and other university departments to ensure unified messaging and branding.

  • Regular team meetings and project check-ins facilitate alignment and shared understanding of goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the university's overarching values into specific expectations for a designer operating within its marketing and communications department, focusing on how these values impact daily work and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing and prioritizing design requests from various departments with potentially competing deadlines can be challenging.

  • Adhering to Brand Standards: Consistently applying complex brand guidelines across diverse projects while maintaining creative integrity requires skill and attention.

  • Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Collaborating with individuals across different university departments, each with unique needs and perspectives, requires strong communication and adaptability.

  • Part-Time Constraints: Managing workload and project scope effectively within limited part-time hours will be a continuous challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software or explore new creative technologies relevant to university marketing.

  • Industry Insights: Gain valuable experience in the unique marketing and communications landscape of higher education.

  • Portfolio Enhancement: Consistent creation of diverse design assets provides ongoing opportunities to build a robust professional portfolio.

  • Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced marketing and communications professionals within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential operational challenges specific to a part-time creative role in a university and outlines relevant growth avenues, emphasizing practical skill development and industry experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your design process from receiving a brief to delivering final assets. How do you ensure brand consistency throughout?" (Assesses process, brand adherence)

  • "How would you approach designing a social media graphic for a university event versus a brochure for an academic program?" (Assesses adaptability, understanding of platform needs)

  • "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Assesses problem-solving, self-awareness, portfolio communication)

  • "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders who may not have a design background?" (Assesses collaboration, communication, resilience)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Dallas Baptist University and its mission?" (Assesses research, cultural alignment)

  • "How do you see your Christian faith influencing your work in a university setting?" (Assesses spiritual alignment, cultural fit)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by complexity. Start with your strongest, most relevant pieces.

  • Storytelling: For each project, tell a brief story: the problem, your solution (design), and the outcome. Emphasize your role and the impact of your design.

  • Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, mirroring the quality of your design work. Use high-resolution images.

  • Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and how you collaborate with others.

  • Showcase DBU Relevance: If you have any speculative work or projects that align with university branding or messaging, highlight them.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to assess both the technical design skills and the critical cultural/mission alignment required for this role at Dallas Baptist University, focusing on operational aspects like prioritization and stakeholder management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your proficiency in print and digital design, social media graphics, and adherence to brand guidelines. If possible, include examples that reflect an understanding of higher education or non-profit branding.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, project management skills, and any relevant experience in marketing or communications. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your portfolio projects, and how you handle feedback. Be ready to articulate your understanding of DBU's mission and how your design work can support it.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research Dallas Baptist University's mission, values, and current marketing efforts. Understand their visual identity and target audience.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Candidates must be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and possess a strong portfolio demonstrating skills in layout and typography. Additionally, they must be a Christian and a member of a church that aligns with the university's mission.