Student Graphic Designer 2026-27

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Student Graphic Designer 2026-27 Company: St. Olaf College Location: Northfield, Minnesota, United States Job Type: Part time Category: Operations Support / Marketing Operations Date Posted: 2026-01-14T16:40:21 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on visual design and marketing support within the Piper Center for Vocation and Career's Student Operations Team, contributing to the office's administrative, data, and marketing needs.
• The Student Graphic Designer will specialize in creating visual assets for print and digital platforms, adhering strictly to brand guidelines and collaborating with staff to ensure effective communication.
• This position offers an opportunity to apply and develop graphic design skills in a professional educational setting, enhancing transferable skills relevant to future career endeavors.
• Beyond core design duties, the role may involve web content updates using WordPress and occasional photography, providing a well-rounded operations support experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Student Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes its role within a "Student Operations Team" supporting administrative, data, marketing, and technology needs. This suggests a blend of creative and operational responsibilities, aligning it with a Marketing Operations or Operations Support function rather than purely creative design. The emphasis on "operations" and supporting the "office's administrative, data, marketing and technology needs" is key here.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and create compelling visual designs for Piper Center events and resources, ensuring they are suitable for both print materials and the Piper Center website.
• Execute designs using industry-standard software such as Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, adhering to established Piper Center brand standards and visual identity guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with Piper Center staff to thoroughly understand their expectations, the specific objectives of each marketing campaign, and the target audience for various events and resources.
• Contribute to the overall marketing strategy by providing creative input and design solutions that enhance the reach and impact of Piper Center communications.
• As a member of the broader Operations Team, update and maintain Piper Center web pages using WordPress, ensuring content is current and visually appealing.
• Conduct occasional LinkedIn headshot photography sessions for staff and students, requiring basic photography skills and equipment handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description explicitly mentions that "Each member of the team will specialize in a specific area of operations and contribute to other efforts of the team as needed." For the Graphic Designer, this specialization is visual design, but the additional duties (WordPress updates, headshots) and the general mention of supporting "administrative, data, marketing and technology needs" indicate a broader operational scope.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or coursework in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is highly beneficial. Experience: Prior experience in graphic design, particularly with Adobe Creative Suite, is essential. Experience in a professional or academic office setting is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe InDesign for layout and design tasks.
• Strong visual design skills with an eye for aesthetics and brand consistency.
• Ability to manage individual projects effectively, ensuring timely completion of design tasks.
• Excellent attention to detail, crucial for maintaining brand standards and producing polished work.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for clear collaboration with staff and understanding project briefs.
• Demonstrated reliability and a strong work ethic, essential for a student employee role.
• Positive attitude and a genuine interest in the mission and resources of the Piper Center.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for image editing and vector graphics creation.
• Familiarity with DSLR cameras for photography tasks.
• Experience updating or managing website content using WordPress.
• Basic understanding of HTML for web content adjustments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original requirements list specific software proficiency. The "Required Skills" section focuses on core design and professional attributes, while "Preferred Skills" includes additional software and technical competencies that would enhance a candidate's application and operational contribution. The phrasing "We are looking for the following traits and skills" implies these are key expectations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency in visual communication and brand adherence.
• Projects should highlight experience with Adobe InDesign for layout and print design, and ideally include examples created with Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Include examples of digital assets designed for web or social media, showcasing an understanding of online visual presentation.
• Showcase any projects that involved collaboration or working with specific client briefs or brand guidelines, to illustrate understanding of stakeholder needs.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly required, candidates who can articulate their design process—from brief interpretation to final delivery—will have an advantage.
• Be prepared to discuss how you ensure brand consistency and adhere to specific requirements in your design workflow.
• Ability to discuss how you manage project timelines and prioritize tasks within a given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role within an operations context, a portfolio is critical. The "Enhancement Note" focuses on what kind of examples would be most relevant given the role's responsibilities, emphasizing practical application and alignment with operational needs (brand standards, stakeholder briefs).

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $11.75 - $12.75 per hour Benefits:

• Valuable hands-on experience in graphic design and marketing operations within a higher education institution.
• Opportunity to develop transferable skills in project management, communication, and digital content creation.
• Professional development through training on St. Olaf career and vocational resources.
• Exposure to professional staff and networking opportunities within the Piper Center.
• Potential for portfolio enhancement with real-world projects.

Working Hours: 4-6 hours per week, flexible to accommodate academic schedules where possible, but requiring consistent availability for project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided wage range is specific. Benefits for student roles are typically experiential rather than traditional employee benefits. The "Working Hours" is clearly stated as 4-6 hours per week, which is a common operational parameter for student positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education Company Size: St. Olaf College is a medium to large institution, employing a significant number of faculty and staff, and serving a substantial student body. This implies a structured environment with established operational processes. Founded: St. Olaf College was founded in 1874, indicating a long-standing tradition and established institutional practices.

Team Structure:

• The Student Graphic Designer will be part of the "Student Operations Team" (Ops Team) within the Piper Center for Vocation and Career.
• This team supports the administrative, data, marketing, and technology needs of the office.
• The Designer will report to Lily Hollerung, the Contact Person/Supervisor.
• Collaboration is expected with other members of the Ops Team and Piper Center staff.

Methodology:

• The Piper Center aims to help students leverage their liberal arts education for career and vocational success.
• The Student Operations Team employs a practical, hands-on approach to support these goals, integrating administrative efficiency with marketing outreach.
• Design work is expected to align with the Piper Center's mission and brand identity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company information is derived from the institution name. The description of the "Student Operations Team" and its purpose provides insight into the operational context and the culture of practical support and student development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level student position, designed for individuals early in their academic and professional journey. It serves as an introduction to operations support within an educational setting. Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to a supervisor (Lily Hollerung), who oversees the Student Operations Team. This structure allows for direct guidance and feedback. Operations Impact: The graphic design work directly supports the Piper Center's mission by creating visually appealing and effective communications that attract students to events, promote resources, and enhance the office's professional image. This contributes to student engagement and career development outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Develop practical graphic design skills using professional software in a real-world context.
• Gain experience in marketing campaign support and contributing to marketing strategy.
• Enhance project management and time management capabilities through managing design tasks and deadlines.
• Build a professional portfolio with tangible design work and potentially photography.
• Learn about career services operations and the vocational development process within a higher education framework.
• Network with professional staff and potentially other student employees in operations roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is measured by skill acquisition, portfolio development, and understanding of operational support within a specific department (Piper Center). The "transferable skills" mentioned in the original description are key here.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is situated within the Piper Center for Vocation and Career at St. Olaf College, a professional office environment within a higher education institution. Office Location(s): Northfield, MN, United States. The work is performed on campus.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely involve a dedicated design station with access to necessary software and potentially photography equipment.
• Collaboration will occur with Piper Center staff and potentially other student team members.
• The environment is professional, focused on supporting student career development and vocational exploration.
• Access to St. Olaf College's campus resources and facilities.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with an expectation of 4-6 hours per week. Scheduling will need to be coordinated with the supervisor and team needs, likely requiring some flexibility around academic commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies an on-site role within a professional office setting at the college. The "Student Operations Team" context suggests a collaborative yet task-oriented environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume, relevant coursework, and any provided portfolio links.
• Interview: Likely a one-on-one interview with the supervisor, Lily Hollerung. This will assess communication skills, work ethic, interest in the Piper Center, and basic design aptitude.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio to demonstrate design skills, software proficiency, and project range.
• Skills Assessment (Potential): A small design task or discussion about design problem-solving might be included to gauge practical application.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest work, focusing on projects that demonstrate proficiency in InDesign, and ideally Photoshop/Illustrator.
• Highlight Relevance: Include any designs for events, promotional materials, or digital content that resemble the type of work described for the Piper Center.
• Explain Your Process: Be ready to talk about your design choices, how you interpreted briefs, and how you ensured brand consistency.
• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of both print and digital designs if possible.
• Keep it Concise: A well-organized digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, personal website) is ideal.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Think about how you approach design projects from concept to completion.
• Consider how you would ensure designs adhere to specific brand guidelines.
• Be ready to articulate why you are interested in working for the Piper Center and how your skills can contribute to its mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a student role, the interview process will likely be more focused on potential, foundational skills, and attitude rather than extensive experience. The portfolio is paramount for assessing design capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout and print design.
• Adobe Illustrator: Preferred for vector graphics and logos.
• Adobe Photoshop: Preferred for image editing and manipulation.
• WordPress: Used for updating Piper Center web pages.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Not directly specified, but understanding how design impacts engagement (e.g., event attendance, website traffic) would be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified for this role, but familiarity with how marketing materials integrate with student outreach or event management systems could be an advantage.
• Basic understanding of HTML may be needed for web updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly lists the primary design software and WordPress. These are the core technical requirements for the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Success: The overarching goal of the Piper Center, influencing all support functions.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of work, reliability, and communication in an office setting.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with staff and other student team members to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation: Contributing creative ideas to enhance the Piper Center's outreach and effectiveness.
• Efficiency: Supporting the office's operations smoothly and reliably.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close collaboration with Piper Center staff to understand design needs and receive feedback.
• As part of the Student Operations Team, interaction with peers on shared projects and general office support is expected.
• A willingness to contribute to broader team efforts beyond core design duties is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Transferable Skills" section and the description of the Piper Center's mission provide strong clues about the expected team culture and values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing design responsibilities with academic coursework and other student commitments.
• Adapting designs to meet specific, sometimes varied, requirements from different Piper Center staff members.
• Ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines across all created assets.
• Learning and mastering new software or tools (e.g., WordPress updates) if not previously experienced.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gain hands-on experience in professional graphic design and marketing operations.
• Develop a strong portfolio of work for future job applications.
• Enhance project management, time management, and communication skills.
• Learn about career services and vocational development from a functional perspective.
• Potentially gain exposure to web content management systems and basic photography.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the practicalities of a student role and the demands of operational support. Growth opportunities are tied to skill development and practical experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about your experience with Adobe InDesign. What types of projects have you used it for?"
• "Describe a time you had to work with specific brand guidelines for a design project. How did you ensure compliance?"
• "How do you approach a design request from a client or supervisor? What steps do you take?"
• "Imagine you have multiple design requests with competing deadlines. How would you prioritize your work?"
• "Why are you interested in working for the Piper Center specifically?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the Piper Center's mission and services?"
• "How do you see your graphic design skills contributing to student success at St. Olaf?"
• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you handle working independently versus collaboratively?"
• "What are your strengths and weaknesses as a designer and as an employee?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Organize: Have your portfolio easily accessible (digital link or PDF).
• Select Key Pieces: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your InDesign skills and relevant experience (e.g., event flyers, web graphics, brochures).
• Tell the Story: For each piece, briefly explain the objective, your role, the tools used, and the outcome. Highlight any challenges you overcame.
• Focus on Process: Be ready to discuss your design process, how you interpreted briefs, and how you ensured the final product met requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess design skills, operational understanding, and cultural fit within the context of a student support role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.
• Portfolio Submission: Ensure your resume clearly indicates how to access your design portfolio (e.g., a direct link to a website or a downloadable PDF). If not explicitly requested in the application form, be prepared to share it upon request.
• Resume Tailoring: Highlight any relevant coursework, software proficiency (especially InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and any previous design or office experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "graphic design," "visual design," "Adobe Illustrator," "Adobe InDesign," "WordPress," and "marketing strategy."
• Prepare for Interview: Review the potential interview questions and practice articulating your skills and experience, particularly your design process and your interest in the Piper Center.
• Research St. Olaf & Piper Center: Familiarize yourself with the college's mission and the specific services offered by the Piper Center to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.