Sr. Graphic Designer

USF University of South Florida
Full_time•Tampa, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Graphic Designer Company: USF University of South Florida Location: Tampa, Florida, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing & Design Operations Date Posted: October 06, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive the visual strategy and brand identity for the Office of Vice President for Research & Innovation (USFRI).
  • Elevate marketing communications through compelling graphic design and digital content creation.
  • Develop and execute engaging web experiences that showcase research achievements and innovation initiatives.
  • Support event promotion and media relations with impactful visual assets.
  • Ensure consistent and strategic messaging across all communication channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and the context of supporting a Research & Innovation office suggest a strong alignment with Marketing Operations and GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies, particularly in how visual communication supports the dissemination of research and innovation. The role requires not just design execution but also strategic input on brand identity and messaging.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute comprehensive visual design strategies that align with the USFRI's mission and objectives.
  • Create a wide range of marketing collateral, including brochures, presentations, infographics, social media graphics, and digital advertisements.
  • Design and maintain visual elements for the USFRI website, ensuring a consistent and engaging user experience that highlights research breakthroughs and innovation.
  • Collaborate with the Communications & Marketing team to translate strategic messaging into effective visual narratives.
  • Manage brand identity guidelines and ensure adherence across all internal and external communications.
  • Support the planning and execution of visual elements for events, conferences, and outreach programs.
  • Produce high-impact visual content for media relations efforts, including press kits and visual assets for news releases.
  • Stay abreast of design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in visual communications to continuously enhance USFRI's brand presence.
  • Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery within project scope.
  • Provide creative direction and feedback to external vendors or internal stakeholders as needed on visual projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "strategic messaging," "brand identity," and "engaging web experiences" within the context of a Research & Innovation office indicates that this role goes beyond standard graphic design. It requires a strategic understanding of how design contributes to the broader communication and marketing goals, aligning with principles of GTM strategy and marketing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

  • 5-10 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a significant portion focused on marketing communications, brand development, and digital media.
  • Proven experience in creating and managing brand identities and style guides.
  • Demonstrated success in designing for web and digital platforms, including UX/UI considerations.

Required Skills:

  • Advanced Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat).
  • Brand Identity Development: Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, and implement strong brand identities.
  • Marketing Communications Design: Experience creating a wide range of marketing collateral for various channels.
  • Web Design & Digital Asset Creation: Proficiency in designing for web, including responsive design principles and creating digital assets for online platforms.
  • Visual Storytelling: Ability to translate complex information (e.g., research findings) into clear, compelling visual narratives.
  • Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

  • UI/UX Design Principles: Familiarity with user interface and user experience design best practices.
  • Motion Graphics/Video Editing: Experience with tools like Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro for creating dynamic visual content.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience working with CMS platforms for web content updates.
  • Data Visualization: Ability to design compelling infographics and data visualizations from research data.
  • Experience in Higher Education or Research Institutions: Understanding of the unique communication needs and audiences within academic or research environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-generated experience level of "5-10 years" is a strong indicator that this is a senior-level role requiring significant autonomy and strategic input, not just execution. The required skills list has been expanded to include specific software and competencies essential for a Sr. Graphic Designer in a marketing and communications context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong foundation in graphic design principles, brand identity development, and marketing collateral creation.
  • Demonstrations of successful projects for web and digital platforms, highlighting an understanding of user experience and engagement.
  • Case studies or examples of how design solutions have supported strategic communication goals or brand elevation.
  • Examples of visual content created for events, promotions, or media outreach.
  • Evidence of ability to translate complex information into visually accessible formats (e.g., infographics, data visualizations).

Process Documentation:

  • Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including how they move from initial brief to final execution.
  • Ability to articulate how they ensure brand consistency and adherence to style guides throughout the design lifecycle.
  • Readiness to explain how they manage feedback and incorporate revisions to achieve optimal design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, especially one supporting research and innovation, the portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving through design, and the ability to communicate complex ideas visually. The emphasis on process documentation reflects the need for a structured approach to design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Graphic Designers in Tampa, Florida, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is approximately $70,000 to $95,000 annually. This range accounts for the senior level, the specialized nature of supporting research communications, and the cost of living in the Tampa metropolitan area.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match (e.g., 403(b) or similar).
  • Opportunities for professional development, including workshops, conferences, and continued education.
  • Access to university resources and amenities.
  • Potential for tuition remission or discounts for eligible employees or dependents.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. While the role is primarily on-site, some flexibility may be available depending on project needs and departmental policy, with potential for remote work days on a case-by-case basis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research for similar roles in the Tampa, FL area, considering the experience level and the specific sector (higher education/research). Benefits are typical for a large university system like USF, emphasizing stability and comprehensive employee support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Research & Innovation Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees), as is typical for a major public university system like the University of South Florida. Founded: 1956 (University of South Florida)

Team Structure:

  • The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of the Communications & Marketing unit within the Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation (USFRI).
  • This unit likely comprises a team of marketing professionals, communications specialists, and potentially other designers, working collaboratively.
  • The reporting structure will be to a Marketing Director or Communications Manager within USFRI.
  • Close collaboration is expected with researchers, faculty, administrative staff, and potentially external partners to effectively communicate research outcomes and innovation efforts.

Methodology:

  • The department emphasizes data-driven storytelling and strategic messaging to highlight USF's research impact.
  • Design processes are likely structured to ensure brand consistency and support overarching marketing and communication goals.
  • A focus on innovation and cutting-edge research will influence the creative output and visual style.
  • Collaboration and feedback loops are essential for refining messaging and visual execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding that USF is a large public research university is crucial. This implies a structured environment with established processes, a focus on public service and education, and a diverse range of stakeholders. The "Research & Innovation" aspect suggests a dynamic and forward-thinking focus within a stable institutional framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role requires seasoned expertise, independent work, and the ability to guide visual strategy. It's a key role within the marketing and communications function of a specialized office.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Director or Communications Manager within the Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation. This position will collaborate extensively with other members of the communications team, researchers, and faculty across various colleges and departments.

Operations Impact: The visual output from this role directly impacts how USF's research and innovation are perceived by internal stakeholders, potential collaborators, funding bodies, and the public. Effective design can elevate the profile of research initiatives, attract talent and investment, and support grant applications by clearly communicating complex scientific and technological advancements. This role contributes to the "Go-To-Market" strategy for USF's research innovations by making them more accessible and appealing.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership in Design: Opportunity to lead visual strategy for major research initiatives and become a subject matter expert in design for research communication.
  • Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in areas like data visualization, motion graphics, or UX/UI design, driven by the needs of innovative research projects.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Expand network and understanding of research across diverse fields within USF, potentially leading to more impactful design projects.
  • Mentorship: As a senior member, there might be opportunities to mentor junior designers or provide guidance to less experienced team members.
  • University-Wide Impact: Contribute to high-profile university campaigns and initiatives that have broad reach and recognition.

📝 Enhancement Note: Framing this role within "Operations" highlights how design directly supports operational goals of communication, brand building, and information dissemination for the research office. The growth opportunities are tailored to a senior individual contributor path within a university setting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, within a university campus setting. This typically means a professional, academic environment with access to university resources and facilities. Office Location(s): Tampa, Florida. Work is expected to be performed at the USF Tampa campus.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace will likely be within the Communications & Marketing unit's offices, fostering a collaborative team environment.
  • Access to standard office equipment, potentially including high-performance workstations and design-specific peripherals.
  • Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals, from researchers and academics to marketing and communications specialists.
  • The environment is geared towards supporting the communication needs of a major research institution, blending creative work with academic rigor.

Work Schedule:

  • Primarily a standard Monday-Friday, 40-hour work week.
  • Projects within a university research office can sometimes have deadlines that require focused effort. While not typically a high-pressure sales environment, significant research launches, grant deadlines, or major event promotions might necessitate flexible hours or extra effort at peak times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor. The description emphasizes the collaborative and resource-rich environment typical of a large university, which is beneficial for a designer needing access to tools and diverse human interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.
  • Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely present a curated selection of their work, discussing their process, design choices, and problem-solving approaches. This may include specific case studies demonstrating brand development, marketing collateral, and web design.
  • Behavioral & Situational Interview: Questions focusing on collaboration, handling feedback, managing deadlines, and working within a university/research environment.
  • Skills-Based Challenge (Potential): A small design task or critique exercise to evaluate practical skills and creative thinking under time constraints.
  • Final Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders or hiring manager to discuss fit with the team and overall strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 strong projects that best represent your skills in brand identity, marketing communications, and digital design. Prioritize work relevant to higher education or complex subject matter if possible.
  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact or outcome. Use metrics if available.
  • Showcase Process: Include sketches, wireframes, mood boards, or other artifacts that demonstrate your thinking and iterative design process.
  • Highlight Versatility: Include a mix of print, digital, and web-based projects.
  • Tailor to USFRI: If possible, include a concept or example that shows you understand the mission of research and innovation communication.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a visual asset for a hypothetical research project or re-designing a piece of existing communication.
  • Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the brief, your creative approach, and your ability to work within brand guidelines.
  • Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior creative role in a university setting often balances technical design skills with strategic thinking and collaborative ability. The portfolio review is paramount and should be treated as a strategic presentation of one's capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat (explicitly mentioned and core to graphic design).
  • Prototyping/Wireframing Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (for web and digital design, though not explicitly mentioned, they are industry-standard).
  • Project Management Software: Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar (for managing design workflows and deadlines).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web Analytics Tools: Google Analytics (to understand user engagement on web designs).
  • Design Feedback Platforms: Tools that facilitate collaborative review and annotation of designs.

CRM & Automation:

  • CMS Platforms: WordPress, Drupal, or similar (for managing website content).
  • Email Marketing Platforms: Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar (for designing email campaigns).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original description focuses on core design software, a Senior Graphic Designer in a marketing context would benefit from familiarity with web design tools, project management, and content management systems to effectively integrate their work into broader communication strategies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence in Communication: A commitment to creating clear, compelling, and accurate visual communications that elevate USF's research and innovation.
  • Innovation & Creativity: Embracing new ideas and approaches to visual design that reflect the cutting-edge nature of the research supported.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams, valuing input, and contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
  • Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in design and communication, ensuring accuracy and respect for intellectual property.
  • Data-Informed Design: Using insights from analytics and feedback to refine design strategies and improve effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

  • The team likely fosters a collaborative environment where designers work closely with writers, marketers, and researchers.
  • Open communication channels for feedback, brainstorming, and project reviews are essential.
  • A culture of shared ownership for the success of communication initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values are inferred from the context of a major public research university and the nature of a marketing and communications role supporting innovation. They highlight the blend of creative output with institutional goals and collaborative effort.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Translating Complex Research: The primary challenge will be to visually represent complex scientific and technical research in an engaging and understandable way for diverse audiences.
  • Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining a consistent brand identity for USF while also reflecting the innovative and cutting-edge nature of the research.
  • Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests and feedback from researchers, faculty, and administrators, each with different priorities and perspectives.
  • Keeping Pace with Digital Trends: Continuously adapting design skills and strategies to evolving digital platforms and user expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Workshops on Data Visualization: Enhancing skills in creating impactful infographics and charts from research data.
  • Advanced Digital Design Training: Courses in UI/UX, motion graphics, or interactive design.
  • Industry Conferences: Attending design or higher education marketing conferences to stay abreast of trends and network.
  • Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from senior university communicators or researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges helps candidates anticipate the core difficulties of the role and prepare strategies for addressing them, demonstrating foresight and problem-solving skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Can you walk us through a project where you had to translate complex data or technical information into a visually accessible format? What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data visualization, storytelling, and impact).
  • "Describe a time you had to develop or evolve a brand identity. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure its successful implementation across various channels?" (Focus on brand strategy and execution).
  • "How do you approach designing for a web experience that needs to engage both academic audiences and the general public? What are your priorities?" (Focus on UX/UI, audience segmentation, and engagement).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you find most exciting about USF's commitment to research and innovation, and how would your design skills support that mission?" (Focus on understanding USF's mission and aligning personal contribution).
  • "How do you handle creative feedback from stakeholders who may have limited design experience but strong subject matter expertise?" (Focus on collaboration and communication).
  • "Describe your experience working within a large institution or university setting. What are the unique challenges and rewards?" (Focus on institutional fit and awareness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, present 3-4 key projects, dedicating 5-7 minutes per project.
  • Content per Project: Clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your design process (sketches, iterations, tools used), the final solution, and the impact/results.
  • Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals. Be prepared to zoom in on details.
  • Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your choices and processes. Engage the interviewers by asking thoughtful questions about their needs and priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and fit within the specific context of a research university's marketing and communications department.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Graphic Designer position:

  • Visit the USF Careers portal and locate Job ID 41763.
  • Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
  • Portfolio Submission: Upload your digital portfolio or provide a link to your online portfolio as part of your application. Ensure it is easily accessible and showcases your most relevant work.
  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic design, brand identity, marketing communications, and digital/web design, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.
  • Prepare for Portfolio Review: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that align with the responsibilities and skills outlined. Be ready to articulate your design process, strategic thinking, and the impact of your work.
  • Research USF & USFRI: Familiarize yourself with the University of South Florida's mission, its research and innovation initiatives, and the work of the Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation. Understand their current visual communications and identify areas where you can contribute.

⚠️ 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.