Student Employee - MarComm Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Student Employee - MarComm Graphic Designer Company: Ensign College Location: Ensign College, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: August 26, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is designed for a student seeking hands-on experience in graphic design within a marketing communications (MarComm) department, focusing on creating visual assets for promotional campaigns and digital platforms.
• The position emphasizes the application of design fundamentals and proficiency in industry-standard software to support marketing objectives and maintain brand consistency.
• Responsibilities include the direct creation and modification of digital and print graphics, requiring collaboration with a marketing team and adherence to brand guidelines.
• This entry-level opportunity provides practical exposure to project management, deadline adherence, and client/stakeholder communication within a professional marketing environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data is for a student employee role, the structure and responsibilities align with foundational roles within Marketing Operations or Creative Operations, focusing on the execution of visual assets that support broader marketing strategies. The emphasis on brand guidelines and collaboration with the marketing team highlights the operational aspect of ensuring consistent and effective MarComm output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of visually appealing graphics for both digital and print media, including but not limited to flyers, posters, website assets, and social media posts.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing team to understand project objectives, target audiences, and creative briefs, contributing innovative design ideas.
• Ensure all created designs strictly adhere to Ensign College's brand guidelines and maintain a cohesive and consistent visual identity across all communication channels.
• Assist in the preparation of design elements for presentations, proposals, and other marketing collateral as required by the department.
• Edit, resize, and optimize existing graphic assets to meet specific format requirements for various platforms and campaigns.
• Effectively manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet established deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are core to the execution phase of marketing operations, where design assets are produced to support strategic campaigns. The emphasis on brand guidelines and collaboration reflects the need for operational consistency and alignment within the marketing function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled as a student at Ensign College, actively taking at least 6 credits per block and maintaining good academic standing.

Experience: While formal experience is not explicitly required, prior exposure to design projects, internships, or volunteer work in graphic design or marketing is beneficial. The role is structured for individuals with foundational design skills looking to build practical experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating and editing graphics.
• Strong attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics, visual hierarchy, and overall design quality.
• Ability to work independently, manage personal workload, and proactively seek out tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment, contributing positively to group projects.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear project understanding and collaboration.
• Effective time-management skills to balance academic responsibilities with project deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with digital marketing platforms and social media content creation.
• Basic understanding of user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) principles for digital assets.
• Experience with other design tools or software beyond the Adobe Creative Suite.
• A portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, demonstrating creativity and technical skill.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, the "Required Skills" are foundational technical and soft skills essential for any graphic design or marketing operations role. The "Preferred Skills" indicate areas where a candidate can differentiate themselves and demonstrate potential for growth within the field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design work that demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite tools.
• Examples of projects that showcase an understanding of design fundamentals, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Visual assets created for marketing purposes, such as flyers, posters, social media graphics, or web banners, reflecting an ability to translate marketing objectives into design.
• Projects that highlight an understanding of brand consistency and the ability to adhere to established brand guidelines.
• Submitted work should ideally include a brief description of the project's goal, the target audience, and the role the designer played.

Process Documentation:

• While not a formal requirement for this student role, candidates are expected to demonstrate an organized approach to their design process, from conceptualization to final output.
• This includes showing an awareness of project workflows, such as receiving briefs, ideation, design execution, revisions, and final delivery.
• An ability to articulate how they manage feedback and incorporate it into their design process is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student graphic design role, a portfolio serves as the primary evidence of process and skill. The "Portfolio Essentials" are structured to reflect what a hiring manager would look for to assess design capability and operational execution within a marketing context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The starting wage for all student employees is $14.00 per hour, with a potential for a $0.25 rate increase each semester of continued work based on merit.

Benefits:

• Real-world experience: Gain practical, hands-on experience working within a professional marketing communications department.
• Portfolio building: Opportunity to develop a diverse portfolio with a variety of design projects, crucial for future career development.
• Flexible hours: Work schedule is flexible to accommodate class schedules, with part-time hours (19 hours per week) typically between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday to Friday.
• Mentorship and guidance: Receive direction and support from experienced marketing professionals, fostering skill development and career insight.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position requiring approximately 19 hours per week. Employees must be able to work in blocks of at least 3 hours between Monday and Friday, within the 8 AM to 5 PM timeframe, to accommodate class schedules and departmental needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly defined, and the benefits are tailored to a student employee context, emphasizing learning and flexibility. The working hours are specific, indicating a need for structured availability that aligns with typical business operations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education. Ensign College operates within the educational sector, providing a unique environment for marketing and communication efforts focused on student recruitment, retention, and community engagement. Company Size: Ensign College is a mid-sized educational institution. This size typically allows for a more personal work environment where student employees can have direct interaction with department staff and understand organizational dynamics more readily. Founded: Ensign College was founded in 1880. Its long history suggests a stable environment with established traditions, which can influence the approach to marketing and communication, balancing tradition with modern design needs.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Marketing Communications (MarComm) department, which is likely structured to support the college's overall mission and strategic goals.
• The student designer will report to a supervisor within the MarComm team, who will oversee project assignments, provide feedback, and manage workflow.
• Collaboration is expected with other marketing team members, potentially including marketing managers, content creators, and digital specialists, fostering cross-functional interaction.

Methodology:

• The MarComm department likely employs a data-informed approach to marketing, using analytics to understand campaign effectiveness and user engagement.
• Workflow planning and optimization would involve project management tools or processes to ensure timely delivery of creative assets.
• Automation might be utilized in certain marketing channels, but the graphic design role focuses on the creative execution and asset creation that feed into these automated processes.

Company Website: https://ensign.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Ensign College's context as an educational institution and its history is crucial for a student designer to align their work with the college's mission and brand. The MarComm team's structure and methodologies are inferred to be typical of a college marketing department, emphasizing collaboration and data-informed strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, student-focused position, serving as a foundational stepping stone for a career in graphic design, marketing, or communications. It provides a practical introduction to the operational aspects of a marketing department. Reporting Structure: The student employee will report directly to a supervisor within the Marketing Communications department. This direct reporting line facilitates clear guidance, feedback, and skill development. Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the visual communication of Ensign College's brand. High-quality, on-brand design assets are crucial for effective marketing campaigns, student engagement, and the overall perception of the college. This role contributes to the operational efficiency of MarComm by producing necessary visual content.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and explore areas like digital illustration, web design elements, or social media content creation.
• Industry Exposure: Gain exposure to marketing strategies and operational processes within the higher education sector.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with diverse projects, which is a key asset for securing future internships or full-time positions in design or marketing.
• Professional Networking: Develop professional relationships with marketing professionals and other college staff, expanding networking opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a developmental opportunity. The "Operations Career Level" is framed around gaining practical experience, and "Growth Opportunities" focus on skill enhancement and portfolio development, which are critical for students entering the workforce.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is on-site at Ensign College, implying a traditional office or campus environment where collaboration and direct supervision are possible. Office Location(s): Ensign College is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Specific office details within the college campus would be provided upon commencement.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be within the MarComm department, likely offering access to necessary design software and hardware.
• Collaboration with team members will occur in shared office spaces or meeting rooms, facilitating direct communication and feedback.
• Opportunities for interaction with other student employees and full-time staff will be present, fostering a professional and learning-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is part-time (19 hours/week) and flexible to accommodate academic commitments, typically falling between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday to Friday, requiring work in at least 3-hour blocks. This structure allows for focused work periods while balancing student responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the description of the workspace emphasize the collaborative and supervised nature of this student role, which is typical for campus employment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of submitted resumes, cover letters, and work samples to assess basic qualifications and design potential.
• Interview: A one-on-one interview with the MarComm supervisor to discuss experience, design approach, problem-solving abilities, and fit with the team and college culture. This stage will likely involve questions about handling feedback and managing projects.
• Portfolio Review: A critical component where submitted work samples will be evaluated for creativity, technical skill, brand adherence, and overall quality. Be prepared to discuss your design choices and processes.
• Final Assessment: May involve a brief practical design task or discussion of hypothetical design scenarios relevant to Ensign College's marketing needs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select your strongest and most relevant design pieces. Aim for quality over quantity.
• Showcase Variety: Include examples that demonstrate your versatility across different media (print, digital) and styles.
• Explain Your Process: For each piece, briefly explain the project's objective, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome.
• Highlight Brand Adherence: If you have examples of working within brand guidelines, emphasize this.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easily accessible (e.g., a link to an online portfolio or a clean PDF), and free of errors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Ensign College's Brand: Familiarize yourself with their website, social media, and any existing marketing materials to understand their current visual identity and tone.
• Practice Design Scenarios: Think about how you would approach designing a flyer for a campus event, a social media graphic for student recruitment, or a banner for the college website.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools and your problem-solving approach when encountering design challenges.
• Articulate Your Motivation: Be prepared to explain why you are interested in this specific role at Ensign College and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are tailored for a student applicant, focusing on demonstrating potential, foundational skills, and a good attitude, in addition to technical proficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop (for raster graphics and photo editing), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations), and InDesign (for page layout and print design).
• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: Likely used for general communication, document creation, and basic presentations (e.g., Word/Docs, PowerPoint/Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct use of analytics tools is unlikely for this role, an understanding of how design impacts metrics like click-through rates or engagement on social media is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct interaction with CRM or marketing automation platforms is expected for this graphic design role. The output of this role would feed into campaigns managed through such systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on the core design tools expected for a graphic designer, with an understanding of how these tools integrate into broader marketing operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouragement to bring fresh design ideas and solutions to marketing challenges.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together with the MarComm team to achieve shared goals and provide mutual support.
• Quality & Precision: A commitment to producing high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to brand standards.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Valuing the ability to manage tasks effectively and meet deadlines to support ongoing marketing initiatives.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Upholding the values and mission of Ensign College in all work and interactions, including adherence to the CES Honor Code.

Collaboration Style:

• The department fosters a collaborative environment where team members share ideas, provide constructive feedback, and work together on projects.
• Expect open communication channels for design briefs, revisions, and project updates.
• Cross-functional collaboration with other departments or student groups may occur, requiring adaptability and clear communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred to align with a professional marketing department within an educational institution, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, quality, and adherence to institutional principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academics and Work: Effectively managing time to meet both academic deadlines and project deliverables for the MarComm department.
• Meeting Diverse Creative Demands: Adapting design style and approach to meet the varied needs of different college departments or campaigns.
• Incorporating Feedback: Effectively receiving and implementing feedback from supervisors and stakeholders, which may sometimes be subjective.
• Staying Current with Design Trends: Keeping up-to-date with the latest design software features and visual trends relevant to higher education marketing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite through practical application and potentially workshops or online tutorials.
• Design Theory Application: Gain practical experience in applying design principles like composition, typography, and color theory in real-world marketing scenarios.
• Portfolio Development: Consistently build a strong portfolio with diverse projects, enhancing employability for future roles.
• Professional Communication: Improve skills in communicating design concepts, receiving feedback, and collaborating with team members and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified as common hurdles for student employees, particularly in balancing responsibilities and adapting to professional environments. Growth opportunities focus on skill acquisition and practical experience directly relevant to a design career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your typical design process from receiving a project brief to delivering the final asset. What steps do you take?"
• Software Proficiency: "Which Adobe Creative Suite programs are you most comfortable with, and can you give an example of a project where you utilized specific features of Photoshop or Illustrator?"
• Brand Adherence: "How do you ensure your designs align with established brand guidelines? Can you provide an example?"
• Handling Feedback: "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design work. How did you incorporate that feedback?"
• Time Management: "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple projects with competing deadlines, alongside your academic commitments?"
• Motivation: "Why are you interested in this graphic design role at Ensign College specifically? What do you hope to gain from this experience?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Ensign College and its mission?"
• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the marketing efforts of a higher education institution?"
• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who may have different creative ideas?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Organized Showcase: Have your portfolio readily accessible (digital link or PDF) and be prepared to navigate through it smoothly.
• Contextualize Each Piece: For each design, briefly state the project's purpose, your role, the tools used, and the intended audience.
• Highlight Key Skills: Point out specific examples that demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, your understanding of design principles, and your ability to meet project requirements.
• Discuss Challenges and Solutions: If a project presented a unique challenge (e.g., tight deadline, specific client request), explain how you overcame it.
• Be Enthusiastic: Show genuine interest in the work and the college.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are framed to assess technical skills, process understanding, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit, with specific advice on how to present a student portfolio effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this student graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ensign College careers portal.
• Curate and Prepare Your Portfolio: Select your best design work, focusing on projects that showcase your skills in Adobe Creative Suite, your understanding of design principles, and your ability to create marketing-related visuals. Ensure it's easily accessible online or as a clean PDF.
• Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight relevant design skills, any prior experience (even academic projects), and your enrollment status at Ensign College. Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for design and your interest in contributing to Ensign College's MarComm efforts.
• Research Ensign College: Familiarize yourself with the college's mission, values, current marketing campaigns, and overall brand identity to better tailor your application and speak to your understanding during an interview.
• Practice Articulating Your Design Process: Be ready to discuss how you approach design projects, handle feedback, and manage your time effectively, especially in relation to your academic schedule.

⚠️ 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.