Part-Time: Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Graphic Designer

Company: Tennessee Board of Regents (Southwest Tennessee Community College)

Location: Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Services

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 1-3 years (Associate's Degree), 2-5 years (implied for growth)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on executing creative design solutions for print and digital platforms within a community college marketing and communications department.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in developing dynamic creative assets that enhance the college's brand visibility and inform its target audiences.

• Key responsibilities include translating design concepts into final products, collaborating with internal teams, and ensuring brand consistency across all collateral.

• The position requires strong technical proficiency in industry-standard design software and a keen understanding of design principles for both print and digital media.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a part-time, temporary "Other Administrative" position. While the core responsibilities and skills are aligned with a Graphic Designer role, the "temporary" aspect suggests a project-based or short-term need. The "Other Administrative" classification might imply a broader scope than a pure design role, potentially including some administrative tasks related to design projects. The "1-3 years" minimum experience with an Associate's degree, coupled with a Preferred Bachelor's degree, indicates an entry-to-mid-level position within the design field.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative graphic designs for a wide range of college marketing collateral, including but not limited to brochures, flyers, posters, business cards, campus signage, and creative elements for publications.

• Create engaging digital assets such as social media graphics (memes, headers, infographics), charts, infographics, and digital templates for presentations (e.g., PowerPoint) and online forms.

• Convert existing print collateral designs into optimized digital assets for web and social media channels.

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Graphic Designer and Marketing & Communications staff to ensure all creative outputs align with the college's mission, vision, and brand standards.

• Manage the production process for print materials, liaising with internal and external printers and vendors to ensure high-quality output and timely delivery.

• Fabricate signage and other print jobs as assigned, demonstrating hands-on production capabilities.

• Support the development of projects from initial concept through to final design, maintaining keen attention to detail and adherence to project briefs.

• Stay current with graphic design trends, software updates, and emerging tools to continuously elevate the college's visual communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and production management. The mention of "fabricate signage and other print jobs" suggests a more hands-on role than typical corporate design positions, potentially involving some in-house printing or finishing. The need to "convert designs and print collateral into digital assets" highlights a crucial skill in bridging the gap between traditional and digital marketing materials.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Associate's degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

Experience:

• Required: One (1) to three (3) years of professional experience in graphic design and production.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with Mac hardware.

• Mastery of all current versions of Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Proficiency in Adobe Lightroom for photo editing.

• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint).

• Strong understanding of core layout and design principles, including typography, contrast, alignment, perspective, and proximity.

• Well-versed in photo editing and illustration production techniques.

• Excellent communication, graphic design, and production skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 4-color and spot-color production processes.

• Pre-press knowledge and file preparation expertise for professional printing.

• Color correcting abilities.

• Experience designing and creating basic .gif animations for online ad banners and websites.

• Ability to translate print design components to web-ready formats.

• Familiarity with emerging design and animation software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, is critical. The requirement for Mac hardware experience is specific. The "1-3 years" combined with an Associate's degree positions this as an entry-level to early-career role, but the "Preferred Bachelor's" and the breadth of skills suggest a candidate with significant potential and foundational knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency across print and digital media.

• Specific examples of collateral designed for educational institutions or similar organizations are highly valued.

• Visual representation of skills in typography, layout, color theory, and branding.

• Case studies or project descriptions that highlight the design process from concept to completion.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, including:

  • Concept development and client brief interpretation.

  • Asset creation and revision cycles.

  • Print production coordination and vendor communication.

  • Digital asset optimization and delivery.

  • Brand guideline adherence and application.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal "portfolio requirement" in the job description, a strong portfolio is implicitly essential for any graphic design role. Candidates should prepare to showcase diverse projects that highlight their technical skills, creative problem-solving, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines, especially for an educational institution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health insurance: (Details typically vary for part-time/temporary roles; may be limited or unavailable)

• Retirement benefits: (Likely available through state retirement system for eligible employees, though specifics depend on tenure and employment status)

• Leave benefits: (Accrued paid time off, sick leave, or holidays may be offered, subject to part-time/temporary status regulations)

• Access to college facilities and resources.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, with an estimated average of 20-29 hours per week to align with typical part-time employment classifications. The exact hours will be determined by departmental needs and project demands. While flexibility may exist, the role is designated as On-site, requiring physical presence at one of Southwest Tennessee Community College's multiple campus locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is an estimation based on typical part-time administrative roles in public institutions in the Memphis area. Actual compensation will be determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents' pay structure for temporary positions and the candidate's qualifications. Benefits for temporary roles can be limited; candidates should inquire for specifics. The "40 hours" mentioned in the input data for ai_working_hours seems to contradict the "Part-Time" designation of the job title; it's more likely that the role is intended to be under 30 hours per week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Public Higher Education (Community College System)

Company Size: Southwest Tennessee Community College is part of the larger Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system, which governs 40 institutions across Tennessee. Southwest itself is a comprehensive institution with multiple campuses, indicating a mid-to-large size operation within the higher education sector.

Founded: Southwest Tennessee Community College was established in 2001 through the consolidation of Shelby State Community College and State Technical Institute at Memphis. The Tennessee Board of Regents was established in 1967.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Lead Graphic Designer within the Marketing & Communications department.

• This department likely comprises various specialists in marketing, communications, public relations, and digital media.

Methodology:

• Design work will be guided by the college's mission and vision, emphasizing student success and community impact.

• All design outputs must align with established Southwest branding and marketing standards.

• The department utilizes a collaborative approach to support strategic marketing and communications efforts.

• Emphasis on creating dynamic, engaging artwork that reflects current trends and appropriate styles for an educational environment.

Company Website: https://www.southwest.tn.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the context of a public community college is crucial. The culture often prioritizes accessibility, community engagement, and student support. The Marketing & Communications department plays a vital role in conveying these values and attracting students, faculty, and community partners. The "temporary" nature of this role suggests it might be to support specific projects or cover for extended leave.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Early Career (Graphic Design)

This role is positioned as a part-time, temporary opportunity for individuals with foundational graphic design skills and 1-3 years of experience. It serves as a practical stepping stone for those looking to build their portfolio and gain experience in a professional marketing environment.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Lead Graphic Designer. This indicates a clear line of supervision and mentorship.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the college's external perception and internal communication effectiveness. High-quality, on-brand visuals are crucial for student recruitment, program promotion, event marketing, and fostering a sense of community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to enhance proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, learn new design techniques, and gain experience in various media (print, digital, social media).

• Portfolio Development: This role provides tangible projects that can be added to a professional portfolio, showcasing real-world application of design skills.

• Industry Exposure: Experience working within a higher education marketing department offers insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of marketing for public institutions.

• Potential for Future Roles: Strong performance in this temporary role could lead to recommendations for future full-time or permanent positions within the TBR system or other educational institutions, should opportunities arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the part-time and temporary nature, formal career progression within this specific role is limited. However, the experience gained is invaluable for advancing into other graphic design or marketing roles. The "Other Administrative" classification might mean exposure to broader departmental operations beyond pure design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Southwest Tennessee Community College operates multiple campuses, suggesting a dynamic and potentially diverse work environment depending on the primary assigned location. The Marketing & Communications department is likely situated in a central administrative building.

Office Location(s): The job description mentions "SWTCC - Multiple Campus Locations," with the primary location being Memphis, Tennessee. Specific campus details would need to be confirmed, but the college serves the Shelby County area.

Workspace Context:

• The role requires an on-site presence. The workspace would likely include a designated desk area with access to necessary hardware (Mac computer) and software.

• Collaboration is a key component, suggesting opportunities for interaction with the Lead Graphic Designer and other marketing team members.

• The environment is expected to be professional, focused on meeting deadlines for college-wide initiatives.

Work Schedule:

• This is a part-time, on-site role. While specific daily hours are not detailed, the role requires consistent availability during standard business hours to facilitate collaboration and project completion. The flexibility of a part-time schedule might allow for some adjustment, but consistent presence is key for on-site work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "multiple campus locations" detail means the specific work environment could vary. Candidates should inquire about the primary work location and the potential for travel between campuses if relevant to the role's responsibilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications (degree, experience, software proficiency).

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio of work. This is a critical step for assessing design skills, creativity, and technical execution.

• Interview(s): Selected candidates will undergo interviews, potentially with the Lead Graphic Designer and other members of the Marketing & Communications team. These interviews will assess communication skills, problem-solving abilities, understanding of design principles, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment/Test: A practical design exercise or test may be administered to evaluate hands-on design skills and ability to meet specific creative briefs under time constraints.

• Final Selection: Based on portfolio, interview performance, and any assessments.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a diverse range of skills (print, digital, branding, layout, typography).

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly outline your design process, including concept development, challenges, and solutions.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your expertise with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Brand Consistency: Include examples that show an understanding of brand guidelines and how to apply them consistently.

• Tailor to Education: If possible, include projects relevant to educational institutions or similar non-profit/public sector organizations.

• High-Quality Presentation: Present your portfolio digitally (PDF or personal website) with clear, high-resolution images and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a social media graphic, a flyer, or adapting an existing design for a new purpose.

• Focus on demonstrating:

  • Quick comprehension of the brief.

  • Effective application of design principles.

  • Proficiency with required software.

  • Adherence to brand guidelines.

  • Ability to deliver a polished final product within a set timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "minimum qualifications" and the need to upload transcripts, resume, and cover letter suggests a formal application process. The portfolio is paramount for a design role; candidates should treat its preparation as a key part of their application strategy. The mention of "reasonable accommodation" for interviews is standard for public institutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • InDesign: Essential for layout design, brochures, flyers, publications, and print collateral.
  • Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: Key for creating vector graphics, logos, charts, infographics, and illustrations.
  • Lightroom: Used for photo editing and management.

• Mac Hardware: The primary operating system and hardware platform for design work.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For creating digital templates and presentations.
  • Word: For basic document creation and text integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this graphic design role, but understanding how marketing collateral might be used in CRM-driven campaigns could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud is non-negotiable and should be highlighted in resumes and portfolios. The requirement for Mac hardware is specific. Familiarity with digital asset conversion and basic animation (GIFs) suggests a need to understand web and social media best practices beyond print.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Success: Designs should support the college's mission to foster student success through clear, informative, and engaging communications.

• Community Impact: Visuals should reflect the college's role as a community resource and partner.

• Efficiency & Collaboration: Working efficiently within a team structure, adhering to deadlines, and collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Data-Driven Design (Implicit): While not explicit, good design relies on understanding audience and objectives, implying a need to consider how designs will perform and resonate.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and consistently applying Southwest's branding and marketing standards across all creative outputs.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Works closely with the Lead Graphic Designer and other marketing staff to achieve departmental goals.

• Cross-Functional: Engages with faculty, staff, and students across various college departments to understand and fulfill their design needs.

• Responsive: Aims to meet customer needs with speed, agility, and excellence, as stated in the "Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities" section.

• Feedback Integration: Open to feedback and revisions to ensure designs meet project objectives and stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are derived from the mission of a public community college and the operational requirements of a marketing department. The "part-time" and "temporary" nature might mean the candidate needs to integrate quickly into existing workflows and demonstrate immediate value.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing a diverse workload with varying deadlines and creative requirements for different departments.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs adhere strictly to college branding guidelines, even when working with different stakeholders.

• Technical Skill Development: Keeping pace with evolving design software and techniques, particularly in digital and animation formats.

• Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Communicating effectively and translating design needs for individuals with varying levels of design understanding.

• Production Realities: Navigating the complexities of print production and vendor management to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Software Proficiency: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud and potentially exploring new design tools.

• Print Production: Gaining practical experience in pre-press, color correction, and working with print vendors.

• Digital Design Trends: Learning to create effective graphics for social media, web, and digital advertising.

• Higher Education Marketing: Understanding the unique communication strategies and target audiences in the academic sector.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with diverse, professional projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a fast-paced design role within a large organization. The growth opportunities are practical and directly applicable to advancing a career in graphic design, particularly within institutional settings.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for creating a brochure from initial concept to final print-ready file." (Focus on workflow, client interaction, and problem-solving).

• Brand Application: "How would you ensure a new design project aligns with Southwest's existing brand guidelines while also feeling fresh and engaging?" (Demonstrate understanding of branding and creative adaptation).

• Software Proficiency: "Walk us through a complex task you completed using Adobe InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator." (Showcase technical skills and problem-solving).

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you received difficult feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Assess communication, adaptability, and professionalism).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a community college like Southwest Tennessee?" (Showcase research and alignment with educational mission).

• "How do you stay current with graphic design trends and new software?" (Demonstrate commitment to professional development).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Concise: Prepare a brief (2-3 minute) overview of your portfolio, highlighting your strongest pieces and key skills.

• Tell a Story: For 1-2 projects, go into more detail, explaining the objective, your creative approach, the challenges, and the final outcome.

• Technical Focus: Be ready to discuss the specific software and techniques you used for each project.

• Brand Adherence: If presenting educational or institutional work, emphasize how you adhered to brand guidelines.

• Digital Readiness: Ensure your digital portfolio is easily accessible and professional.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also technical proficiency, strong communication, and an understanding of the client (the college). The ability to articulate one's design process and problem-solving skills will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Part-Time Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the online application through the provided careers page.

• Upload Required Documents: Ensure your resume, a compelling cover letter, and unofficial transcripts are uploaded.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a strong digital portfolio showcasing your best design work, with a focus on print, digital, and branding projects. Be ready to share this during the application or interview process.

• Tailor Your Resume & Cover Letter: Highlight your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Mac hardware, and relevant design experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Research Southwest TNCC: Familiarize yourself with the college's mission, values, current marketing efforts, and branding guidelines to demonstrate genuine interest and fit.

• Prepare for a Potential Design Test: Be ready to complete a practical design exercise to showcase your skills under timed conditions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding salary, benefits, and specific role expectations, should be verified directly with the Tennessee Board of Regents or Southwest Tennessee Community College Human Resources before making application decisions. The "Part-Time" and "Temporary" nature should be a key consideration for candidates.