Student Assistant Specialist Graphic Designer, CNYCA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Student Assistant Specialist Graphic Designer, CNYCA

Company: The New School

Location: H - 72 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Graphic Design Support

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is ideal for a student seeking practical experience in graphic design and digital communications within a policy research environment.

• The specialist will support the Center for New York City Affairs (CNYCA) in producing high-quality visual assets for reports, web, and social media.

• Responsibilities include enhancing social media outreach, improving website design, and maintaining brand consistency through a dedicated brand guide.

• This position offers exposure to public policy research and its communication strategies, targeting an audience of policymakers, providers, and community groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required skills (Squarespace, Mailchimp, social media management, web design basics) indicate a broader role supporting marketing and communications operations. The "Student Assistant" designation implies an entry-level focus, suitable for individuals with foundational skills looking to grow. The "CNYCA" acronym suggests a focus on the Center for New York City Affairs, a policy research organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually compelling reports, mailings, and website content that effectively communicate research findings.

• Enhance and execute the Center’s social media strategy to increase engagement and reach.

• Improve website design and user experience, including the crucial task of archiving historical website data, publications, and reports for accessibility.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive training and brand guide for future designers, ensuring brand consistency and operational efficiency.

• Support the creation of digital and print promotional materials for policy events and research dissemination.

• Assist with data visualization, including designing graphs, charts, and tables to represent complex policy data.

• Manage online content and campaigns across various digital platforms.

• Perform other assigned duties to support the communications and operations of the CNYCA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and operational execution, particularly in digital content management and brand stewardship. Archiving historical data and maintaining a brand guide are key operational contributions that ensure long-term accessibility and brand integrity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Pursuing or holding a degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, web content management, or social media coordination.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for professional graphic design.

• Demonstrated experience and proficiency with Squarespace for website content management and design.

• Experience and proficiency with Mailchimp for email campaign execution and outreach.

• Basic knowledge of web design practices and principles.

• Proven experience managing professional social media accounts.

• Strong ability to manage several projects simultaneously and follow through to completion.

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills for efficient workflow management.

Preferred Skills:

• Interest and experience in public policy research or related fields.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) beyond Squarespace.

• Basic understanding of SEO principles for web content.

• Experience with video editing or motion graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific tools like Squarespace and Mailchimp, alongside Adobe Suite, indicates a need for practical, hands-on skills rather than purely conceptual design. The "Student Assistant" title suggests that foundational skills and a willingness to learn are prioritized over extensive professional experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated digital portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, including reports, web graphics, social media assets, and data visualizations.

• Evidence of ability to design multiple projects within short, demanding timeframes.

• Demonstrations of organizational skills through well-documented project workflows and clear visual execution.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of work that demonstrates an understanding of brand guidelines and consistency, ideally presented alongside a maintained brand guide.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight effective social media campaign execution.

• Projects demonstrating effective data visualization techniques for communicating policy-related information.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio should emphasize foundational design skills, proficiency with the required tools, and the ability to manage tasks efficiently. The inclusion of data visualization and social media strategy examples is particularly relevant to the CNYCA's mission.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $21 per hour.

Benefits:

• Part-time employment with flexible working hours, ideal for students.

• Valuable hands-on experience in graphic design, digital marketing, and policy communications.

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful research and policy initiatives at a reputable institution.

• Potential for professional development and networking within The New School and the policy research community.

• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between remote work and occasional on-campus presence.

Working Hours: 10-20 hours per week. The schedule is flexible, allowing for integration with academic commitments, but requires occasional on-campus presence with advance notice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $21 aligns with entry-level positions in New York City for roles requiring specialized software skills and a hybrid work model. The benefits are primarily experiential, focusing on skill development and career exposure, which is typical for student assistant roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Applied Policy Research. The New School is a renowned private university, and the Center for New York City Affairs (CNYCA) functions as an applied research arm, focusing on real-world policy impact.

Company Size: The New School is a large university with multiple campuses and academic divisions. CNYCA, as a center within the university, likely operates with a dedicated but smaller team, fostering a focused research environment.

Founded: The New School was founded in 1919. The Center for New York City Affairs has a history of contributing to policy discourse.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the CNYCA Communications Manager.

• The role involves collaboration with researchers, policy analysts, and other communication staff.

Methodology:

• CNYCA's research methodology involves rigorous analysis, focusing on practical solutions and real-time feedback for policymakers and communities.

• Communication strategies emphasize clarity, accessibility, and wide dissemination through reports, web content, and media outreach.

• The team values data integrity, evidence-based conclusions, and effective storytelling to drive policy change.

Company Website: https://www.newschool.edu/ (for The New School) and likely a dedicated site for CNYCA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The New School's environment is known for its progressive and interdisciplinary approach. CNYCA's focus on applied policy research means the communications team must translate complex information into accessible formats for diverse audiences, making graphic design and digital strategy critical.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, part-time student assistant position. It's designed to provide foundational experience in graphic design, digital content management, and communications within a professional research setting.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the CNYCA Communications Manager, providing clear guidance and oversight.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the CNYCA's ability to disseminate its research effectively. High-quality design and digital outreach are crucial for reaching target audiences, influencing policy, and enhancing the organization's reputation and impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Suite, Squarespace, Mailchimp, and social media management. Gain practical experience in data visualization for policy contexts.

• Industry Exposure: Understand the landscape of policy research, non-profit communications, and applied research organizations.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with real-world projects that can be leveraged for future career opportunities in design, marketing, or communications.

• Networking: Connect with professionals in policy research, communications, and academia.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role, it supports the operational effectiveness of the communications department. Growth is focused on skill acquisition and portfolio building, aligning with a student's career development path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning employees primarily work remotely but are expected to be on campus occasionally for specific needs with advance notice.

Office Location(s): 72 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. This location is central to NYC's academic and research hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work: Access to necessary software and tools will be crucial for effective remote contribution.

• On-Campus Presence: When required, the employee will join a dynamic research and academic environment at The New School. This provides opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues and a sense of the organizational culture.

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model requires strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across distances and in person.

Work Schedule: Flexible part-time hours (10-20 per week) allow for integration with academic studies. The hybrid nature requires self-discipline and time management to balance remote tasks with necessary on-campus interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model necessitates strong self-management skills and clear communication protocols to ensure seamless workflow between remote and on-campus activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, tool proficiency, and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates will present their portfolio, highlighting relevant projects such as report design, web graphics, social media campaigns, and data visualizations.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or a discussion about how they would approach specific design challenges related to policy communication.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions will likely assess project management abilities, ability to work under deadlines, organizational skills, and interest in public policy.

• Cultural Fit: Discussion to gauge enthusiasm for The New School's mission and CNYCA's work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates skills in report design, web graphics, social media, and data visualization.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your skills in Adobe Suite, Squarespace, and Mailchimp.

• Data Visualization Focus: Include examples where you've effectively translated data into clear and engaging visuals.

• Tailor to CNYCA: If possible, include projects that show an understanding of communicating complex information or a passion for policy/social impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you approach design challenges, especially under tight deadlines.

• Tool Dexterity: Be ready to discuss your experience with the required software and how you leverage their features.

• Content Strategy: Think about how design contributes to effective communication and outreach goals for an organization like CNYCA.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio is paramount. It's the primary way to demonstrate capability. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to execute tasks effectively and efficiently using the specified tools.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign for all graphic design needs, from print to digital.

• Squarespace: For website design, content management, and updates. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• Mailchimp: For email marketing campaigns, newsletters, and audience outreach.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, if integrated with Squarespace) to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how communication tools like Mailchimp integrate with broader outreach strategies is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is focused on content creation and dissemination tools, reflecting the role's marketing and communications support function rather than deep operations analytics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong commitment to using research and communication to create tangible policy change and improve lives.

• Data-Informed: Emphasis on rigorous analysis and evidence-based communication.

• Collaborative Spirit: Working effectively across research and communications teams to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Agility: Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic research environment.

• Commitment to Excellence: Maintaining high standards in research quality and communication accuracy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional teamwork, with designers working closely with researchers, policy analysts, and the communications manager.

• Open communication and feedback loops to ensure designs effectively meet research objectives.

• A supportive environment for learning and skill development, especially for student assistants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values intellectual curiosity, a commitment to public service, and a results-oriented approach to policy impact. Efficiency and clear communication are key operational values for a busy research center.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: Effectively visualizing intricate policy data and research findings in an accessible and engaging manner.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines and varying project scopes.

• Hybrid Work Logistics: Coordinating effectively between remote work and occasional on-campus requirements.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual outputs adhere to brand guidelines across different platforms and materials.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in Squarespace and Mailchimp, alongside advanced Adobe Suite skills.

• Policy Communication: Learning how to tailor visual communication strategies for policy audiences and advocacy.

• Data Visualization Best Practices: Developing skills in presenting quantitative and qualitative data visually.

• Professional Portfolio Building: Creating a strong body of work to support future career aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for entry-level roles supporting complex projects, offering significant learning opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a report cover or an infographic from brief to final output." (Assess process, tool usage, and problem-solving.)

• "How would you approach creating social media graphics to promote a new policy brief?" (Evaluate understanding of platform-specific design and audience engagement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for The New School and the Center for New York City Affairs?" (Gauge genuine interest and cultural fit.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new software features?" (Assess commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, articulate the "why" and the "how" – the problem, your approach, the tools used, and the impact.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to speak about your specific use of Adobe Suite, Squarespace, and Mailchimp.

• Highlight Data Visualization: Clearly explain your approach to making data understandable and impactful.

• Address Hybrid Work: Be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and communication in a hybrid environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for foundational design skills, proficiency with the required tools, strong organizational abilities, and a genuine interest in the organization's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on The New School's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of report design, web graphics, social media content, and data visualizations that align with the responsibilities outlined. Tailor the presentation to highlight your skills in Adobe Suite, Squarespace, and Mailchimp.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize relevant skills such as graphic design, content management, social media strategy, data visualization, project management, and proficiency with the specified software. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, tool utilization, and how your work contributes to communication goals. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing multiple projects and your interest in public policy.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The New School's mission and the work of the Center for New York City Affairs. Understand their focus areas (education, child welfare, poverty, juvenile justice) and how effective visual communication supports their policy research goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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