Graphic Designer, Texas McCombs

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Texas McCombs Company: University of Texas at Austin Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS, Austin, Texas Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Education Date Posted: January 15, 2026 Experience Level: 0-2 Years Remote Status: Remote OK (with potential for on-site work)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for maintaining and evolving the visual identity of the prestigious Texas McCombs School of Business, ensuring brand consistency across all communication channels.
• The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with the Chief Marketing Communications Officer (CMCO) team to develop innovative design concepts and execute them across both print and digital media, supporting marketing and development initiatives.
• Key responsibilities include designing a wide array of marketing collateral, from brochures and ads to web assets and social media graphics, while also managing asset archives and production processes.
• The position requires a strong foundation in graphic design principles, proficiency in industry-standard software, and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively within a dynamic academic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job posting states "Remote OK," the primary location is "UT MAIN CAMPUS." Operations candidates should anticipate a hybrid arrangement, with potential for significant on-site presence, especially for collaborative meetings, production oversight, and team integration. The "0-2 Years" experience level suggests a focus on foundational skills and growth, making a strong portfolio and eagerness to learn paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Visual Identity & Brand Management:
  • Uphold and advance the McCombs School of Business's visual identity system across all design outputs.
  • Ensure all designed materials are compliant with established brand guidelines, maintaining a cohesive and professional brand representation.
  • Develop and maintain updated brand guidelines and design-related documentation.
• Design Execution (Print & Digital):
  • Conceptualize and design a diverse range of marketing collateral, including brochures, advertisements, presentations, flyers, editorial assets, infographics, social media graphics, web assets, and promotional displays.
  • Create custom graphics and illustrations to enhance communication materials and brand storytelling.
  • Design and implement branded templates in Canva and Adobe for use by the wider McCombs community, facilitating consistent branding across departments.
  • Collaborate with the digital team to design engaging web experiences and digital campaign assets.
• Production & Asset Management:
  • Manage printing and production processes, including requesting quotes, preparing print-ready files, conducting press checks, and coordinating delivery.
  • Work with internal teams to manage and organize the photo archive, including effective sorting and tagging of images.
  • Develop and maintain design and photo editing templates for external vendors and internal non-designers.
• Project & Client Management:
  • Track the progress of simultaneous projects for communications and development teams using project management software (e.g., Asana).
  • Communicate project status updates regularly to supervisors and stakeholders, proactively identifying and reporting any potential challenges or deadline risks.
  • Consult with immediate supervisors and clients to understand project needs, determine optimal design approaches, and implement necessary adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "resolving design challenges" and consulting with "clients" (internal stakeholders) suggests a need for strong problem-solving and communication skills, typical of operations support roles. The responsibility for "print-ready files aligned with specifications" and "press checks" indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and understanding of production workflows, which are crucial for operations efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Art, or a closely related field.
• Equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of 1 year of professional experience in graphic design is required.
• Experience working within a university or educational setting is preferred.
• Experience consulting with clients on design needs and providing professional guidance is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, XD) and up-to-date knowledge of industry-standard design software.
• Brand Compliance: Proven ability to develop and execute innovative design concepts that strictly align with brand standards for both print and digital media.
• Concept Development: Strong ability to explore and develop creative concepts at the outset of projects before finalizing design aesthetics.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with supervisors, clients, and team members.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design, production, and project management.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, track development, and meet production deadlines using project management tools (e.g., Asana).
• Technical Skills: Ability to create custom graphics, illustrations, and design templates. Understanding of print production processes and digital asset creation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with content management systems (CMS).
• Familiarity with project management software beyond Asana.
• Experience in photo editing and asset management, including sorting and tagging.
• Knowledge of web design principles and creating engaging web experiences.
• Experience with Canva for template design and broader community usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 Years" experience level combined with a degree requirement suggests this role is geared towards early-career professionals. The emphasis on "up-to-date knowledge of industry software and design trends" and the need to "comprehend project requirements, pose relevant questions, and effectively seek out the information needed" points to a candidate who is proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of independent problem-solving within defined operational frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design work, demonstrating versatility across different mediums and project types.
• At least 10-15 examples of designs, including but not limited to: event invitations, posters, promotional materials, brochures, postcards, newsletters, promotional emails, digital advertisements, and social media campaigns.
• The portfolio should highlight innovative design concepts and adherence to brand standards.
• It must demonstrate the ability to translate project requirements into effective visual solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Examples within the portfolio should implicitly showcase understanding of workflow stages from concept to final production.
• The ability to design templates for others to use implies an understanding of process standardization and user-friendliness.
• The mention of managing printing and production processes suggests an awareness of operational workflows and quality control steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's ability to execute design tasks efficiently and effectively, aligning with the operational goal of delivering high-quality, brand-compliant materials on time. Candidates should curate their portfolios to specifically highlight projects that demonstrate problem-solving, adherence to briefs, and successful execution across various platforms.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Benefits:

• Eligibility for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), provided the position is at least 20 hours per week and 135 days in length.
• Standard university employment benefits (specifics not detailed in the posting but typically include health insurance, paid time off, and access to university resources).

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week.
• May require occasional extended work hours.
• This position is eligible for remote work, suggesting flexibility in work location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an entry-level to early-career Graphic Designer role in a major university setting in Austin, Texas. The TRS eligibility is a significant benefit for long-term state employees. The "Remote OK" status, combined with the "UT MAIN CAMPUS" location, implies a hybrid work model is likely, offering flexibility that can be managed effectively by operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Business School) Company Size: The University of Texas at Austin is a large public research university with tens of thousands of employees. Texas McCombs is a significant school within the university. Founded: The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883. Texas McCombs traces its roots back to 1922.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the Chief Marketing Communications Officer (CMCO) team within the McCombs School of Business.
• The Graphic Designer will work collaboratively with the CMCO team members and likely interact with various internal "clients" or partners across the McCombs community (e.g., communications and development teams).
• Reporting structure is to an immediate supervisor within the CMCO team.

Methodology:

• The CMCO team focuses on strategic visual strategy and ensuring the core brand is represented properly.
• Emphasis is placed on hands-on experiences, ground-breaking research, and thought-leadership, reflecting a culture of innovation and academic excellence.
• Collaboration and an enterprising drive are embedded in the culture, aiming to shape future leaders and solve challenging problems.

Company Website: https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a large university system like UT Austin means adhering to institutional policies and brand guidelines while also fostering creativity within the specific context of a top-tier business school. The culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach, which is conducive to operations professionals looking to make a tangible impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an early-career (0-2 years) Graphic Designer role, serving as a foundational position within the marketing and communications operations of a major educational institution.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to an immediate supervisor within the CMCO team. This structure allows for direct mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact:

• The role directly impacts the perception and communication effectiveness of the Texas McCombs School of Business by ensuring professional, consistent, and compelling visual materials.
• High-quality design output supports the school's marketing efforts, alumni engagement, and overall brand reputation, which indirectly contributes to fundraising, student recruitment, and faculty recruitment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and other design tools, as well as gain exposure to various design applications (print, digital, web, social media).
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like digital design, branding, or production management within the marketing operations of a large organization.
• Industry Exposure: Experience within a leading business school provides exposure to best practices in academic marketing and communications.
• Advancement: Potential to move into senior designer roles, lead design projects, or transition into broader marketing or communications roles within the university.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" role, the principles of operational efficiency, brand consistency, and supporting strategic initiatives are highly relevant. Growth here involves mastering design execution and understanding how design operations support broader institutional goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Standard office environment. The posting mentions "remote work" eligibility, indicating a hybrid arrangement is possible. Office Location(s): UT MAIN CAMPUS, Austin, Texas. This is a large, vibrant university campus environment.

Workspace Context:

• The role involves working at a workstation using a keyboard, typical of office-based creative roles.
• Collaboration with the CMCO team and other internal partners is a key aspect.
• Access to university resources and potentially a design-centric workspace within the marketing department.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.
• Flexibility offered through the "Remote OK" designation, allowing for a hybrid work schedule.
• Occasional extended work hours may be necessary, a common requirement in project-driven creative roles and operations support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work potential is a significant factor for operations professionals seeking work-life balance. Candidates should be prepared to manage their time effectively to coordinate on-site collaboration days with remote work, ensuring seamless project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume, cover letter (letter of interest), and portfolio review.
• Technical Assessment/Work Sample: Likely a design challenge or a request to elaborate on specific portfolio pieces. This assesses practical design skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Interviews: With the immediate supervisor and potentially other members of the CMCO team or key stakeholders. These will assess collaboration skills, understanding of brand, and cultural fit.
• Final Evaluation: Focus on the candidate's ability to meet the role's requirements, demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, and align with the team's operational workflow.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 10-15 of your strongest, most diverse projects. Ensure they represent the range of work mentioned (brochures, ads, web, social media, etc.).
• Highlight Brand Compliance: Clearly show how you have worked within or adapted to brand guidelines. For this role, demonstrating adherence to Texas McCombs' (or similar institutional) branding is key.
• Showcase Process: Briefly explain the project's objective, your role, the challenges, and the solution. This demonstrates your thought process and problem-solving approach, crucial for operations roles.
• Platform Versatility: Include a mix of print and digital examples. If you have experience with template design or asset management, highlight those projects.
• Online Portfolio Preferred: Provide a clear, functional link to your online portfolio. If submitting a PDF, ensure it's well-organized and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design choices, how you approach creative briefs, and how you manage feedback.
• Practice articulating your design process and the rationale behind your creative decisions.
• Understand that design challenges often test not just creativity but also efficiency and problem-solving under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused roles, the portfolio review is about demonstrating not just artistic talent but also the ability to execute tasks reliably, efficiently, and in alignment with strategic objectives. Highlighting projects where you successfully managed constraints, met deadlines, or improved a process through design will be particularly impactful.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphics.
  • InDesign: For layout and design of print collateral (brochures, flyers, etc.).
  • Adobe XD: For UI/UX design and prototyping, especially for web assets.
• Canva: For designing and utilizing templates for broader community use.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how design assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement, web click-through rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards for these platforms would be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Asana is explicitly mentioned for tracking project development. Proficiency with this or similar tools (e.g., Trello, Monday.com) is expected for managing workflows.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with CMS platforms is preferred, indicating a need to understand how design assets are integrated into websites.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with Canva for scalable template creation aligns with operational efficiency goals. Familiarity with project management tools like Asana is crucial for understanding and participating in established workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to maintaining and enhancing the visual identity and brand standards of the McCombs School of Business.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with the CMCO team and other internal stakeholders to achieve shared communication and marketing goals.
• Efficiency: Utilizing design tools and processes to produce high-quality work in a timely manner, meeting production deadlines.
• Innovation: Developing creative concepts and staying current with design trends to produce engaging and effective visual materials.
• Service-Oriented: Supporting the broader McCombs community by providing design solutions that meet their communication needs.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close collaboration with the immediate supervisor and other CMCO team members.
• It also involves consulting with internal "clients" to understand their project needs and deliver tailored design solutions.
• A proactive and communicative approach to collaboration is essential for managing multiple projects and ensuring alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on brand consistency and supporting internal clients aligns with the service-oriented nature of operations teams. The ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively is key to ensuring smooth project execution and positive stakeholder relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creativity: Ensuring all designs adhere to strict brand guidelines while still being innovative and engaging.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling requests and feedback from various internal "clients" with different priorities and expectations.
• Keeping Pace with Design Trends: Continuously updating knowledge of industry software and design trends to maintain relevance and effectiveness.
• Production Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of print production, vendor management, and digital asset integration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to master new features or modules within Adobe Creative Suite or explore advanced design techniques.
• Workshops on Branding & Marketing: Exposure to higher-level marketing and communications strategies within a top business school.
• Project Management Skills: Developing proficiency in project tracking and workflow management tools.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining insights into how design operations support broader university marketing and communication efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges are common in creative operations roles. Overcoming them requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning, all of which are valuable for career progression in operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to work within strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure compliance while still producing a creative and effective design?" (Assesses brand adherence and creative problem-solving.)
• "Walk me through your process for developing a new design concept for a marketing campaign." (Evaluates concept development and strategic thinking.)
• "How do you manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines? Can you give an example?" (Tests project management and prioritization skills.)
• "Describe a challenging design request from a client. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses client management and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Texas McCombs School of Business specifically?" (Assesses motivation and research into the institution.)
• "How do you stay current with design trends and industry software updates?" (Evaluates commitment to professional development.)
• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you work with team members and stakeholders?" (Gauges cultural fit and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, tell a compelling story about the objective, your creative process, challenges overcome, and the final results.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design led to measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, successful event attendance), highlight those metrics.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Clearly show the range of your skills across different mediums and software.
• Address the Brief: For each piece, explain how your design directly addressed the client's needs or project brief.
• Be Ready for Technical/Process Questions: Expect questions about your software proficiency, production knowledge, and how you approach workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: In an operations context, interview questions will often probe not just what you can do, but how you do it, focusing on process, efficiency, and problem-solving. Be prepared to articulate your workflow, decision-making process, and how you ensure quality and timely delivery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the University of Texas at Austin's Workday portal.
• Craft a compelling Letter of Interest: Tailor this to Texas McCombs, highlighting your passion for design and why you are a good fit for an academic institution.
• Curate your Portfolio: Select 10-15 diverse, high-quality projects. Ensure a link to your online portfolio is readily accessible, or submit a well-organized multi-page PDF. Focus on showcasing brand compliance, concept development, and execution across print and digital mediums.
• Optimize your Resume: Highlight your 1+ year of professional design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, project management tools (like Asana), and any experience with template design or asset management. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare for the Interview: Research the McCombs School of Business's current marketing initiatives and brand identity. Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your work aligns with institutional 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.