Part-Time Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Graphic Designer
Company: Penn State University
Location: Penn State University Park, Pennsylvania, United States
Job Type: PART_TIME
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services
Date Posted: October 21, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: Fully Remote (from select locations)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the design and production of essential print and digital marketing collateral for a major academic institution's College of Agricultural Sciences and Extension programs.
• Collaborate closely with the Art Director to translate marketing objectives into compelling visual assets that align with brand guidelines and enhance outreach efforts.
• Manage a diverse project workload effectively, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality design solutions across multiple platforms and formats.
• Leverage advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software to create engaging content that resonates with target audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Graphic Designer," operates within a marketing unit and involves production for both print and digital channels, including social media. This positions it closely with Marketing Operations, requiring an understanding of campaign execution and asset management. The remote flexibility for select locations is a key differentiator for attracting talent seeking hybrid or remote opportunities within established institutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the conceptualization, design, and execution of visually appealing print materials, including brochures, flyers, posters, and reports, ensuring adherence to brand standards and accessibility requirements.
• Develop and produce engaging digital assets for various platforms, such as social media graphics, web banners, email templates, and presentations, optimizing for user experience and engagement.
• Collaborate with the Art Director and marketing team to understand project requirements, creative briefs, and target audience needs, providing design recommendations and solutions.
• Manage and organize design files, assets, and project documentation efficiently, ensuring version control and easy retrieval for future use.
• Stay abreast of current design trends, typography best practices, and digital production techniques to continuously improve the quality and impact of visual communications.
• Contribute to the remediation of digital documents to ensure compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG guidelines), making design modifications as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities indicate a hands-on production role with a strong emphasis on execution and adherence to established guidelines. The mention of "accessibility" is a critical component for modern digital content creation within an educational setting, and candidates who can demonstrate experience in this area will be highly valued.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in print and digital design and production.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) on macOS.
• Digital Design Tools: High proficiency with Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.
• Content Management: Strong understanding of Microsoft 365 suite for document creation and collaboration.
• Design Principles: Deep knowledge of design and typography best practices, color theory, and layout composition.
• Production Processes: Thorough understanding of digital and print production processes, including file preparation, pre-press, and output specifications.
• Social Media Graphics: Familiarity with current social media trends and best practices for creating engaging visual content across various platforms.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in building accessibility into digital documents (e.g., PDFs, presentations) or remediating existing documents for accessibility compliance.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for web content updates.
• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for digital design.
• Experience working within an academic or large institutional environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Microsoft 365) on macOS highlights the technical requirements. The "equivalent combination of education and experience" clause provides flexibility, but a strong portfolio demonstrating the required skills will be paramount. The preference for accessibility experience is a significant differentiator for candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated online portfolio showcasing a diverse range of print and digital design projects, demonstrating proficiency in typography, layout, and visual communication.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight your role in the design and production process, from concept to final output.
• Demonstrations of design solutions for marketing campaigns or content delivery, with clear explanations of objectives and outcomes.
• Examples of digital assets created for social media, web, or email marketing, showcasing adaptability to different platforms and formats.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing multiple design projects concurrently, detailing your approach to prioritization, workflow management, and deadline adherence.
• Examples of how you have incorporated best practices in digital and print production into your workflow.
• Documentation or examples of how you have ensured brand consistency across various design deliverables.
• Any projects that demonstrate your understanding or application of accessibility standards in digital design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, a strong portfolio is non-negotiable. The emphasis on process documentation in the portfolio should extend to how candidates manage their workflow, handle multiple projects, and ensure quality and consistency, especially concerning production and accessibility.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a part-time position at Penn State University, hourly compensation is expected to be competitive for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the State College, PA area. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in higher education and marketing, an estimated hourly range of $20 - $30 USD is anticipated. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the final allocation of duties.

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings Plan: Eligibility for participation in Penn State's retirement savings plan, offering long-term financial security.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for access to training and development resources, including workshops and online courses relevant to graphic design and marketing.
• Employee Discounts: Potential for discounts on university services, athletic events, and other campus amenities.
• Paid Time Off: Accrual of paid time off based on hours worked, providing flexibility for personal needs.
• Work-Life Balance: The part-time nature of the role (max 24 hours/week) and remote work option support a healthy work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Maximum of 24 hours per week.
• Flexible scheduling is possible, with the expectation of consistent availability during core business hours for collaboration and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location in University Park, PA, and the part-time nature, a specific salary range is estimated based on typical university compensation structures for creative roles with 2-5 years of experience. Benefits for part-time positions at large institutions can vary, so a general overview is provided, emphasizing professional development and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Public University
Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)
Founded: 1855 (Penn State University)

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the College of Agricultural Sciences Marketing Unit.
• This unit likely operates under a central marketing or communications department within the college.
• The role reports directly to an Art Director, indicating a hierarchical structure with clear creative leadership.
• Collaboration will span across marketing specialists, content creators, and potentially faculty/researchers within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Extension.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, a university marketing unit likely uses data to inform design choices, such as engagement metrics for digital content or feedback on print materials.
• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis on adhering to Penn State's overarching brand guidelines and specific college/unit branding.
• Collaborative Workflow: Design projects will likely involve input and review from multiple stakeholders, requiring effective communication and feedback integration.
• Efficiency & Scalability: With a large university, processes are often designed for scalability and efficiency, especially for recurring marketing materials.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Penn State is a large, well-established public research university. Its culture often emphasizes academic rigor, community service, and a commitment to public good. The College of Agricultural Sciences specifically focuses on applied research and extension services, meaning the design work will aim to communicate complex information to a broad audience, including agricultural professionals, students, and the general public.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior to Mid-Level Designer (2-5 years experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Art Director within the College of Agricultural Sciences Marketing Unit. This provides direct creative mentorship and oversight.
Operations Impact: The graphic designer's output directly influences how the College of Agricultural Sciences and its Extension programs are perceived. High-quality, accessible design enhances brand reputation, improves communication effectiveness, and supports recruitment, outreach, and educational initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas like digital illustration, motion graphics, or advanced accessibility remediation.
• Project Leadership: As experience grows, potentially take on lead design responsibilities for specific campaigns or smaller projects.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gain exposure to different marketing functions within a large university structure, potentially leading to opportunities in other communications roles.
• Professional Development: Access to university-sponsored training and workshops to enhance design skills and learn new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a production-focused graphic designer, part of a larger marketing operation. Growth will likely involve mastering design execution, understanding the nuances of marketing for an academic institution, and potentially taking on more complex or strategic design tasks under the guidance of senior team members.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-Eligible (fully remote from select locations).
Office Location(s): Primarily based in Penn State University Park, but the role offers full remote work from approved locations, maintaining a connection to the university's operational hub.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Setup: Candidates will need to ensure they have a dedicated, professional workspace conducive to creative work and virtual collaboration, with reliable internet access.
• Digital Collaboration Tools: The team will rely heavily on digital tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, email, project management software) for communication and project management.
• Creative Environment: While remote, the role is situated within a university marketing unit, suggesting a professional, education-focused environment that values clear communication and impactful design.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time, maximum of 24 hours per week.
• The schedule is likely flexible, allowing for work during standard business hours, with potential for some asynchronous work, provided deadlines are met and collaboration needs are accommodated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fully remote work from select locations" is a crucial detail. Candidates should verify which locations are approved. This flexibility is a significant aspect of the work environment, requiring self-discipline and strong remote communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes, cover letters, and portfolio links are screened for relevant experience and skills.
• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their work.
• Skills Assessment: A practical design test or a discussion of technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and production processes may be included.
• Behavioral Interviews: Questions will assess organizational skills, communication abilities, ability to work independently, and fit with the university's culture.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with the Art Director and potentially other key stakeholders to discuss role fit and expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that highlight print, digital, and social media design.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.
• Highlight Production: Detail your understanding of print and digital production, and any experience with accessibility remediation.
• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Ensure your work clearly reflects your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your online portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing for a specific audience (e.g., agricultural stakeholders, students) and how you ensure brand consistency.
• Review Penn State's branding guidelines and the College of Agricultural Sciences' specific identity to demonstrate familiarity.
• Practice articulating how you manage multiple projects and deadlines in a remote setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is central to this application. Candidates should be prepared to not only show their work but also to discuss the strategic thinking and technical execution behind it, particularly concerning production and accessibility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (Expert proficiency required on macOS).
• Figma: For collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially handoff.
• Microsoft 365: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook for general productivity, document creation, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, familiarity with how design impacts engagement metrics on social media or web platforms is beneficial. (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics dashboards).

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how marketing assets are used within broader campaigns is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Microsoft 365 on macOS dictates the core technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency with these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Commitment to producing high-quality, effective design work that meets professional standards.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with the Art Director and other marketing team members to achieve shared goals.
• Efficiency: Managing time and resources effectively to meet deadlines and deliver on project requirements.
• Adaptability: Being open to feedback, learning new tools and techniques, and adjusting designs as needed.
• Service: Contributing to the mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Extension through impactful visual communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Primarily remote, relying on digital communication channels.
• Structured feedback loops through the Art Director for design reviews.
• Emphasis on clear communication and proactive problem-solving to ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture within a large university marketing unit often balances creativity with structured processes and adherence to institutional branding. Remote collaboration requires strong proactive communication and a willingness to engage digitally with team members.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing a 24-hour work week with diverse project demands from different departments within the college.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong communication and creative synergy with a remote team and stakeholders.
• Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs adhere to stringent university and college branding guidelines across a wide array of materials.
• Accessibility Compliance: Staying updated on and correctly implementing accessibility standards for digital assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Access to resources for mastering new features or tools within Adobe Creative Suite or Figma.
• Accessibility Best Practices: Opportunities to attend workshops or webinars focused on digital accessibility standards.
• Higher Education Marketing Trends: Learning about effective communication strategies specific to academic institutions and agricultural sciences.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Developing a portfolio that showcases increasingly complex and impactful design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing a part-time remote workload effectively while meeting the high standards of a large institution, with a particular focus on accessibility. Growth opportunities are tied to deepening technical skills and understanding the unique marketing landscape of higher education.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from concept to final production-ready files for both print and digital."
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different types of collateral, especially when working remotely?"
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to balance multiple competing deadlines. How did you manage your time and priorities?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Penn State University and the College of Agricultural Sciences specifically?"
• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, particularly when working remotely?"
• "How do you stay updated on current design trends and incorporate them into your work responsibly?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Relevance: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in print, digital, and social media design, with a strong emphasis on production knowledge.
• Explain Your 'Why': Articulate the strategic thinking behind your design choices and how they address the project's objectives.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any experience with accessibility remediation.
• Showcase Process: Detail your workflow, how you manage projects, and how you ensure quality and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles, technical proficiency, effective remote collaboration, and an appreciation for the mission of a large public university. The ability to articulate one's process and impact is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this part-time graphic designer position:

• Click the "Apply" button on the job posting.
• Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to highlight your relevant design experience, software proficiency, and understanding of print/digital production.
• Crucially, submit a clear and navigable link to your online portfolio. This is a primary screening requirement.
• Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, process, and outcomes, especially those demonstrating your ability to manage multiple projects and adhere to brand guidelines.
• Research Penn State University's branding guidelines and the mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences to articulate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Penn State University's Human Resources or the hiring department before making application decisions. The availability of remote work from select locations requires specific confirmation.