Part-Time Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Graphic Designer

Company: Penn State University

Location: Penn State University Park, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Remote OK (Select Locations)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the design and production needs of the College of Agricultural Sciences Marketing Unit, focusing on both print and digital collateral.

• The position requires a strong understanding of design principles, typography, and production workflows for effective execution of marketing materials.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software is essential for creating high-quality visual content across various platforms.

• The successful candidate will manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to brand guidelines.

• This part-time role offers flexibility with the potential for fully remote work from select locations within the United States.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer," the context of "Marketing Unit" and "College and Extension print and digital materials" strongly suggests a GTM (Go-To-Market) adjacent function, focusing on the visual communication that supports outreach, education, and brand awareness, which aligns with broader GTM operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist the Art Director in conceptualizing, designing, and producing a variety of print and digital marketing materials for the College of Agricultural Sciences and its Extension programs.

• Apply best practices in graphic design, typography, layout, and color theory to create visually appealing and effective communication pieces.

• Manage the production process for print materials, including pre-press checks, file preparation, and coordination with external vendors, ensuring print-ready outputs.

• Develop and adapt designs for digital platforms, such as social media graphics, web banners, email templates, and presentations, adhering to platform-specific requirements.

• Ensure all design outputs are consistent with Penn State University's brand guidelines and the College of Agricultural Sciences' visual identity.

• Collaborate with marketing team members, content creators, and other stakeholders to understand project requirements and deliver design solutions that meet objectives.

• Maintain organized digital asset management for all design projects, ensuring easy retrieval and version control.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Potentially assist in building accessibility features into digital documents (e.g., tagged PDFs, alt text for images) or remediating existing documents to meet accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for not just creative design skills but also a strong understanding of production workflows (print and digital), brand consistency, and collaboration—all critical components in GTM operations where visual assets are key to campaign execution. The mention of accessibility is a modern requirement, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to digital content.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Digital Design Tools: Proficient in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Microsoft 365 Suite: Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook for document creation and collaboration.

• Platform: Must be skilled in using macOS.

• Design Principles: Deep understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Production Processes: Thorough knowledge of both print production (file preparation, color spaces, bleed, resolution) and digital production (web optimization, file formats, responsive design considerations).

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and feedback exchange.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in building accessibility into digital documents (e.g., WCAG guidelines, tagged PDFs).

• Familiarity with remediating existing digital documents for accessibility compliance.

• Understanding of social media trends and best practices for designing engaging content for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.

• Basic understanding of content management systems (CMS) or web design principles.

• Experience working within a university or large organizational marketing unit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Microsoft 365) and operating system (macOS) is common for design roles. The inclusion of "Accessibility Building" and "Document Remediation" points towards a need for skills that ensure broader reach and compliance, a critical aspect of modern digital GTM strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio showcasing a diverse range of print and digital design projects.

• Projects should demonstrate strong conceptual thinking, design execution, and problem-solving abilities.

• Clear examples of typography application, layout design, and brand consistency across various media.

• Evidence of understanding and application of production best practices for both print and digital outputs.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should ideally include examples that implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, from briefing to final delivery.

• Showcase projects where efficiency in design production was a factor or a demonstrable outcome.

• Include examples of how design elements were adapted for different platforms or purposes, reflecting an understanding of scaled production.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role supporting marketing, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary "process portfolio" by visually demonstrating the candidate's ability to execute design projects from concept to completion, aligning with the operational aspect of delivering marketing collateral.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Work Schedule Flexibility: The role is part-time, allowing for a flexible schedule up to 24 hours per week.

• Remote Work Option: Eligible for fully remote work from select locations within the United States, offering significant flexibility in work environment.

• Professional Development: Potential opportunities for skill enhancement through exposure to diverse projects and university resources.

• University Resources: Access to university facilities and potentially employee discounts or programs (specifics would need to be confirmed).

• Retirement Savings Plan: While part-time, employees may be eligible for contributions to a retirement savings plan, depending on hours worked and university policy.

• Paid Time Off: Likely to accrue a proportional amount of paid time off (vacation, sick leave) based on hours worked.

Working Hours:

• Maximum of 24 hours per week.

• The specific daily schedule can be flexible and negotiated with the Art Director, accommodating both the candidate's needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical hourly rates for part-time graphic designers with 2-5 years of experience in the US, adjusted for location (University Park, PA) and the academic sector. Benefits for part-time roles can vary significantly, so the listed items are common but should be verified. The "select locations" for remote work is a critical detail for remote candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Academic Research & Extension

Company Size: Penn State is a large public research university with tens of thousands of employees and hundreds of thousands of students globally. The College of Agricultural Sciences is a significant academic unit within the university.

Founded: 1855, Penn State has a long-standing history and a deeply ingrained culture of academic excellence, research innovation, and public service.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing Unit within the College of Agricultural Sciences.

• This unit likely operates within a larger communications or marketing department, reporting up through an Art Director.

• The team structure emphasizes collaboration between designers, writers, social media specialists, web developers, and other marketing professionals.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is likely a core principle, with marketing efforts informed by analytics and performance metrics.

• Emphasis on clear, effective communication to serve diverse audiences, from academic researchers to the general public through extension programs.

• A commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in all communication materials.

• Continuous learning and adaptation to evolving trends in design, marketing, and digital communication.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Penn State's scale and mission is key. The College of Agricultural Sciences' dual focus on academic research and public extension means design needs will be diverse, requiring adaptability and a clear understanding of different audience communication strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-to-mid-level individual contributor position within a specialized creative function. It's ideal for someone looking to gain practical experience in a large organizational setting and refine their design skills in a professional marketing context.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Art Director within the College of Agricultural Sciences Marketing Unit. This provides a clear line of reporting and mentorship.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the GTM strategy by creating compelling visual assets that:

• Enhance brand recognition and perception of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

• Support the dissemination of research findings and educational content, crucial for the extension mission.

• Drive engagement with digital marketing campaigns, events, and programs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like digital design, print production, accessibility, or even motion graphics if projects allow.

• Portfolio Development: Significant opportunity to build a robust portfolio with diverse project types and a reputable institution's name.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various departments and understanding their unique communication needs.

• Potential for Increased Hours/Responsibility: Depending on performance and organizational needs, there might be opportunities for increased hours or taking on more complex design projects.

• Networking: Build a professional network within a large university system, which can open doors for future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section bridges the gap between a creative role and operational effectiveness by highlighting how design contributes to broader organizational goals like outreach, education, and brand consistency, which are fundamental to GTM success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is eligible for fully remote work from select locations, meaning the primary work environment will be a home office or equivalent. However, the university also maintains a physical campus in University Park, PA.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: Penn State University Park, University Park, PA.

• Remote: Select locations within the United States, subject to university policy and approval.

Workspace Context:

• Remote: Requires a dedicated, productive workspace with reliable internet access. The candidate will need to manage their own remote setup.

• On-Campus (if applicable): If working from campus, the environment would be collaborative, likely in an office setting with shared resources and interaction with the marketing team.

• Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with required design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and standard office productivity tools (Microsoft 365) are essential, regardless of work location.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time, maximum of 24 hours per week.

• While flexible, the schedule will need to accommodate team meetings, project deadlines, and coordination with the Art Director and other team members. Effective time management and communication are key to success in a remote, part-time capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work aspect is a significant differentiator. The "select locations" detail is crucial, as universities often have restrictions on remote employees in certain states due to tax, legal, or operational reasons.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submissions will be reviewed for meeting minimum qualifications (degree, experience) and the presence of a required resume, cover letter, and portfolio link.

• Portfolio Screening: The online portfolio will be heavily scrutinized to assess design quality, technical skills, creativity, and relevance to the role's responsibilities.

• First Interview (likely virtual): This stage may involve meeting with the Art Director or a hiring committee member to discuss design philosophy, project experience, and alignment with team needs. Behavioral questions about collaboration and problem-solving may be included.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates may be given a small design project or a case study to complete within a set timeframe to evaluate their practical design skills, process, and ability to interpret briefs.

• Final Interview: This may involve meeting with additional team members or department leadership to assess cultural fit, communication style, and overall suitability for the role.

• Offer Extension: Following successful interviews and background checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select only your strongest, most relevant work. Prioritize projects that showcase proficiency in print and digital design, typography, and brand application.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain your design process, the problem you were solving, your approach, and the outcome. This demonstrates critical thinking.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that clearly demonstrate your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and macOS capabilities.

• Accessibility Examples: If you have work demonstrating accessibility considerations, highlight it, as this is a preferred skill.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished. A clean, professional online presence is crucial.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and deconstruct any design challenge prompt. Identify the target audience, key message, and desired outcome.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively for concepting, designing, and finalizing your submission.

• Brand Alignment: If the challenge involves a specific brand (even hypothetical), consider how your design aligns with its established visual identity. For Penn State, demonstrating an understanding of its institutional branding would be beneficial.

• Technical Execution: Ensure your final submission is technically sound (correct file formats, resolution, etc.) and clearly communicates your design intent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Applicants should treat it as a primary demonstration of their operational capabilities in delivering design outputs. The mention of "select locations" for remote work implies that the application process might involve additional vetting for remote eligibility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout and design of print materials (brochures, flyers, reports) and interactive PDFs.

• Figma: For collaborative interface design, prototyping, and design system management. Essential for teamwork and efficient digital asset creation.

• macOS: The required operating system for design work, implying a need for familiarity with its ecosystem and applications.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an awareness of how marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) use visual assets in campaigns would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and macOS indicates the core technical requirements. The inclusion of Microsoft 365 suggests the need for integration with standard office workflows, especially for document creation and presentations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to producing high-quality, visually impactful design work that uphills the university's reputation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing open communication, constructive feedback, and the ability to work effectively with diverse team members and stakeholders.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Demonstrating an ability to manage workload effectively, meet deadlines, and deliver projects on schedule without compromising quality.

• Adaptability & Learning: Willingness to learn new tools, adapt to changing project requirements, and stay current with design trends and best practices.

• Service-Oriented: Understanding that the design work serves the broader mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences in education, research, and outreach.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to collaborate closely with writers, marketing specialists, content creators, and potentially researchers or extension staff to translate ideas into visual form.

• Feedback Loops: A culture that encourages constructive criticism and iterative design processes to refine projects.

• Open Communication: Utilizing digital communication tools (email, messaging platforms) efficiently to maintain project momentum, especially in a remote setting.

• Shared Vision: Working towards a common goal of effectively communicating the college's message and impact through strong visual design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Service-Oriented" and "Efficiency & Timeliness" connects the creative function to operational goals, suggesting a culture that values design as a critical component of the university's outreach and educational mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Institutional Constraints: Navigating university branding guidelines, stakeholder feedback, and diverse audience needs while maintaining creative integrity.

• Managing Multiple Projects Simultaneously: Effectively juggling competing deadlines and priorities in a part-time capacity.

• Adapting to Remote Work: Maintaining strong communication, collaboration, and productivity without constant in-person interaction.

• Staying Current with Technology: Keeping up with updates in design software, digital trends, and accessibility standards.

• Designing for Diverse Audiences: Creating visuals that resonate with academic researchers, students, agricultural professionals, and the general public.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or explore new design tools.

• Accessibility Best Practices: Learning to integrate accessibility into design workflows, a highly valuable and increasingly important skill.

• Understanding of Academic/Extension Communications: Gaining insight into the specific communication challenges and strategies within higher education and agricultural outreach.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a diverse portfolio with projects from a well-respected institution.

• Remote Work Best Practices: Developing strong self-management and remote collaboration skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational realities of working in a large, complex organization like a university, especially in a remote, part-time capacity. The growth opportunities focus on skill development that is directly applicable to GTM and design operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a [specific type of collateral, e.g., social media graphic, brochure] from brief to final delivery." Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and revisions.

• Tool Proficiency: "Describe your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and macOS. Can you provide an example of a complex task you accomplished using these tools?"

• Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a time you faced a design challenge or a difficult stakeholder request. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

• Time Management: "How do you prioritize your workload when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines, especially in a part-time or remote capacity?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Penn State University and the College of Agricultural Sciences specifically?" Research the college's mission, recent initiatives, or key programs.

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selectivity: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects to present in detail.

• Storytelling: For each project, explain the objective, your role, your design thinking, the tools used, and the final outcome. Quantify results if possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful event turnout).

• Technical Demonstration: Be ready to discuss specific techniques or software features you used.

• Accessibility Focus: If applicable, highlight any projects where accessibility was a key consideration.

• Brand Awareness: If you have any speculative work or experience with university branding, be prepared to discuss it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also operational competence: process, efficiency, technical skill, and the ability to integrate into a larger organizational structure, even remotely.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this part-time graphic designer position:

• Submit your application: Click the "Apply" button through the provided Workday link. Ensure you are using the correct application process for external applicants if you are not a current Penn State employee or student.

• Craft a compelling cover letter: Tailor it to Penn State and the College of Agricultural Sciences, highlighting your relevant experience and enthusiasm for their mission.

• Prepare your resume: Emphasize your graphic design experience, technical skills (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, macOS), and any experience with print/digital production or accessibility. Use keywords from the job description.

• Assemble your online portfolio: Ensure it is up-to-date, showcases your best print and digital design work, and is easily accessible via a provided link. Highlight projects demonstrating your process and technical capabilities.

• Research Penn State: Familiarize yourself with the College of Agricultural Sciences' mission, recent campaigns, and overall brand identity to better tailor your application and prepare for potential interview questions.

⚠️ 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. The distinction between internal and external application processes is critical for Penn State applicants.