Student Graphic Designer for Marketing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Student Graphic Designer for Marketing Company: Liberty University Location: Lynchburg, VA Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: 2025-07-24 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level role supports the university's internal departments and marketing initiatives by creating visual assets.
• It offers a unique opportunity for a student to gain practical experience in graphic design within a higher education marketing environment.
• The position emphasizes collaboration with a full-time design team and adherence to established brand guidelines for consistent messaging.
• Responsibilities include producing a variety of design materials, from print publications to digital advertisements, while developing technical and conceptual design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a "Student Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required skills align with foundational marketing operations and creative services functions. The emphasis on brand adherence, production of marketing materials, and collaboration with a marketing team positions this as a valuable entry point into operations-focused creative roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce graphic art and visual materials for university publications, including internal print materials, recruiting collateral, flyers, posters, brochures, and direct mail campaigns.
• Create digital advertisements and other visual assets for online marketing initiatives, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.
• Collaborate closely with full-time graphic designers, the Creative Director, and the Marketing Manager, actively seeking and incorporating constructive feedback to refine design skills and brand understanding.
• Assist with editing and updating previously created design assets, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
• Maintain the visual integrity and brand identity of all university publications and marketing materials, strictly adhering to established brand guidelines.
• Apply a foundational understanding of typography, color theory, and the principles and elements of design in all created work.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Build and maintain knowledge of printing specifications, including bleeds, CMYK color modes, file packaging, and various finishing techniques (e.g., UV inks, foils, embossing).
• Interact with internal print shops and external promotional vendors to submit native art files for production.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and integrity, upholding Christian values in all professional interactions and adhering to the regulatory and legal environment of higher education.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on production-level design tasks that directly support marketing operations. The requirement to understand printing specifications and vendor interactions is crucial for effective marketing collateral production and execution, a key aspect of marketing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must be currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Graphic Design, Art, Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Approximately one to two years of related graphic design experience is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Ability to understand and follow directions accurately, with the capacity to work independently or under limited supervision.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with clients and colleagues, maintaining a positive and professional attitude.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in core Adobe programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Graphic Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding of design principles, including layout, composition, visual hierarchy, and user experience (UX) considerations for digital assets.
• Typography and Color Theory: Applied knowledge of how typography and color impact design effectiveness and brand perception.
• Brand Identity Management: Ability to understand and consistently apply brand guidelines to ensure cohesive visual messaging across all materials.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design work, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of production and file preparation.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for clear articulation of ideas and effective interaction with team members and clients.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for analyzing design challenges and applying creative solutions.
• Client Interaction: Professional demeanor and ability to work effectively with internal university departments as clients.
• Ethical Conduct: Commitment to integrity and ethical behavior, aligning with the university's Christian values.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with pre-press production and understanding of print-related file preparation.
• Familiarity with web design principles and digital asset creation for online platforms.
• Basic understanding of project management principles for tracking design tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are directly applicable to marketing operations roles, focusing on the execution of creative assets that drive marketing campaigns. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a standard requirement across many operations and marketing functions that involve visual content creation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Projects should highlight the applicant's ability to translate marketing objectives into compelling visual communication.
• Include examples that illustrate an understanding of typography, color theory, and layout principles.
• Showcase projects that adhere to specific brand guidelines or a consistent visual identity.
• Evidence of creating design assets for both print and digital mediums.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required for this student role, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an organized approach to design projects, including:
  • Workflow management for completing design tasks from brief to final delivery.
  • Consideration of client feedback and iterative design processes.
  • Attention to file organization and preparation for various outputs (print, web).

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level student role, the "portfolio" serves as the primary demonstration of process and system understanding. It's expected to show a systematic approach to executing design projects, rather than formal documentation. The focus is on the output and the implied workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a student part-time position, compensation is likely to be hourly. Based on similar student roles in Lynchburg, VA, and the nature of the work, an estimated hourly range of $12 - $18 per hour is anticipated. This range reflects entry-level pay for roles requiring specialized software skills and creative input.

Benefits:

• This is a part-time student position, and traditional benefits packages (e.g., health insurance, retirement plans) are typically not offered.
• Potential benefits may include:
  • Valuable work experience and skill development in graphic design and marketing operations.
  • Opportunities for networking within the university's marketing department.
  • Exposure to professional design workflows and industry best practices.
  • Potential for academic credit or Federal Work-Study (FWS) program participation, as indicated by the provided link.
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, with approximately 20 hours per week.
• The specific schedule will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager and will need to accommodate academic responsibilities while ensuring consistent support for marketing projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical part-time student wages for roles requiring specific technical skills in the Lynchburg, VA area. Benefits are generally limited for student positions, with the primary value being experience and skill acquisition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education Company Size: Liberty University is a large, private institution with a significant student body and extensive staff, indicating a substantial marketing and communications department. This size implies access to robust resources and a structured operational environment. Founded: Liberty University was founded in 1971, giving it a long history and established presence in higher education, which often translates to well-defined marketing strategies and operational processes.

Team Structure:

• The student designer will work within the university's marketing or creative services department.
• They will report to a Marketing Manager and collaborate closely with full-time graphic designers, promotional writers, and project coordinators.
• This structure suggests a collaborative environment where mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals are key components of the student's experience.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with various university departments (clients) to meet their marketing needs.

Methodology:

• The department likely employs a project-based workflow, managing marketing needs for diverse university initiatives.
• Emphasis is placed on adhering to the university's established brand identity and design best practices.
• Data-driven insights may inform design choices, though the student role primarily focuses on execution and creative application based on provided briefs and brand standards.
• Workflow planning and optimization are managed at a higher level, with the student contributing to the execution phase.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large university implies a structured, process-driven environment common in marketing operations. The emphasis on brand consistency and collaboration with various departments is typical of how marketing services function within such institutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the entry-level/internship stage within a marketing operations or creative services context. It is designed for individuals still pursuing their education, providing foundational exposure to professional design and marketing workflows.

Reporting Structure: The student designer will report to a Marketing Manager, with direct oversight and mentorship from full-time graphic designers. This structure offers clear lines of communication and support for skill development.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing operational budgets or strategic planning, the student designer's work contributes to the overall effectiveness of marketing campaigns by producing high-quality visual assets that align with university branding and communication goals. Their output directly impacts the perception and reach of university initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Significant opportunity to hone graphic design skills, particularly in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and brand application through practical project work.
• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in a professional marketing environment within the higher education sector, learning about project management, client relations, and marketing campaign execution.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance and feedback from experienced design and marketing professionals, which can be invaluable for career development.
• Portfolio Building: Create a strong portfolio of professional work that can be leveraged for future job applications in design, marketing, or operations roles.
• Networking: Build professional connections within the university's marketing department and potentially with external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are centered on skill acquisition and professional exposure, which are critical for building a career path in operations-adjacent fields like marketing and creative production.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Lynchburg - In Office," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. Office Location(s): Lynchburg, VA. Specific office details would be provided upon commencement of employment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be within the university's marketing or creative department offices, likely providing access to standard office equipment and potentially specialized design hardware/software.
• Collaboration with team members is a key aspect, suggesting an open or shared workspace environment conducive to team interaction and feedback.
• The environment will be professional, with an emphasis on maintaining the university's brand and values.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week.
• The schedule will be flexible to accommodate academic requirements but will necessitate consistent availability during standard working hours for collaboration and project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes a collaborative and structured work environment typical of university departments, where team interaction and adherence to established protocols are important.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Applications will be screened for academic qualifications, relevant experience, and completeness.
• Portfolio Submission: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a digital portfolio showcasing their design work. This is a critical component for evaluating design skills and creative potential.
• Interview(s): Candidates may undergo one or more interviews with members of the marketing team, potentially including the Marketing Manager and/or full-time designers. These interviews will assess communication skills, understanding of design principles, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: There might be a small design task or challenge to evaluate practical application of skills under time constraints.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant design projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and an understanding of brand identity.
• Showcase Process: Include brief descriptions for each project, outlining the objective, your role, the tools used, and the outcome. If possible, showcase how you incorporated feedback.
• Highlight Variety: Include examples of both print and digital design work if applicable.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. A dedicated website or a well-formatted PDF is ideal.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities of a marketing graphic designer in a university setting.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Brand Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with Liberty University's brand standards if publicly available.
• Practice Design Tasks: Be prepared to quickly sketch or mock up a design concept based on a given prompt. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of layout, typography, and color.
• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design choices, your thought process, and how you would approach a new design project from brief to completion.
• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready about the team, the projects, and the university's marketing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Applicants should focus on presenting work that directly reflects the required skills and responsibilities, demonstrating not just aesthetic talent but also an understanding of design's role in marketing communications.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and editing visual content.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Likely used for communication, documentation, and basic project coordination (Word, Outlook).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this student role, familiarity with analytics tools used in digital marketing (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) could be beneficial for understanding the impact of design choices on campaign performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core graphic design responsibilities of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is the core technical requirement, directly supporting the production aspects of marketing operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Ethical Behavior: A strong emphasis on upholding Christian values and ethical conduct in all professional activities.
• Commitment to Mission: Alignment with the university’s mission and Christian philosophy, integrating faith into one's discipline.
• Excellence in Craft: Dedication to producing high-quality design work that reflects the university's standards.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues and contributing to a positive team dynamic.
• Continuous Learning: Willingness to learn new skills, adapt to new technologies, and accept constructive feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• The team fosters a collaborative environment where students work alongside full-time professionals, receiving guidance and feedback.
• Cross-functional collaboration with various university departments is expected, requiring clear communication and responsiveness to client needs.
• A culture of mentorship is likely prevalent, with experienced designers guiding and developing student talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values are deeply rooted in the university's religious affiliation, influencing expectations for professional conduct, teamwork, and commitment to the institution's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academics and Work: Managing workload effectively to meet both academic deadlines and job responsibilities.
• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Learning and consistently applying the university's established brand identity, which can sometimes limit creative freedom.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Working on multiple projects simultaneously with potentially tight deadlines requires strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Effectively incorporating constructive criticism from supervisors and clients into design work.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of graphic design, such as digital marketing graphics, print collateral design, or branding.
• Industry Best Practices: Learn about professional workflows, project management, and client relationship management within a large organization.
• Networking: Build professional connections that can lead to future career opportunities within higher education or the broader marketing industry.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Gain professional work experience to add to a portfolio, significantly boosting future employability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is balancing academic and professional demands, while the growth opportunities are focused on practical skill development and career exposure within a structured environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for creating a marketing flyer from brief to final delivery." (Be prepared to discuss stages like research, concept development, execution, and feedback incorporation.)
• Brand Adherence: "How do you ensure consistency in branding across different marketing materials?" (Focus on understanding and applying brand guidelines.)
• Software Proficiency: "Describe your experience with Adobe Creative Suite. Which programs are you most proficient in, and for what types of tasks?" (Be specific about your skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign.)
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you encountered a design challenge and how you overcame it." (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.)
• Collaboration: "How do you approach working with clients or team members who have different creative visions?" (Emphasize communication, compromise, and understanding project goals.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Liberty University?" (Research the university's mission, values, and recent marketing efforts.)
• "How do your personal values align with Liberty University's Christian values?" (Be prepared to discuss your understanding and respect for their values.)
• "What are your career aspirations in graphic design or marketing?" (Connect your goals to the experience offered by this role.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (e.g., marketing collateral, digital ads).
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your approach, the tools used, and the outcome. Emphasize how your design addressed the client's needs.
• Demonstrate Brand Awareness: If you have projects where you applied specific brand guidelines, highlight them.
• Be Concise: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful work.
• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical design skills, an understanding of marketing principles, and a cultural fit with the university's values. The portfolio is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Liberty University's job board.
• Curate Your Design Portfolio: Select your strongest 5-8 design projects that showcase your skills in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and brand application. Ensure it is well-organized and easy to navigate.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, any prior design experience (even academic projects), and proficiency in design software. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare for Interview Questions: Practice answering common design interview questions and be ready to articulate your design process and how you handle feedback. Research Liberty University's mission and marketing efforts.
• Showcase Your Value: Be ready to explain how your skills and enthusiasm can contribute to the university's marketing goals and how you can learn and grow within their team.

⚠️ 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.