Studio Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Studio Graphic Designer Company: University of Melbourne Location: Parkville, Australia Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing & Communications Operations Date Posted: 2026-02-06 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute existing design solutions for print, merchandise, outdoor, and digital platforms, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and quality standards.
• Produce impactful university visuals that shape brand identity and drive marketing excellence for a prestigious academic institution.
• Collaborate with senior designers and diverse stakeholders to translate the university's brand into compelling visual narratives for global audiences.
• Manage digital assets, perform image manipulations, and prepare files for dispatch and pre-press, ensuring efficient workflow and asset integrity.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, managing expectations and ensuring timely project completion for marketing and communication initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Graphic Designer," falls under the broader umbrella of Marketing & Communications Operations due to its focus on executing established brand guidelines, managing digital assets, and supporting marketing initiatives within a large organizational structure. The emphasis on consistent brand execution and stakeholder management aligns with operational efficiency in marketing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce Finished Artwork: Execute on-brand, deadline-driven designs for a variety of marketing channels including print, merchandise, outdoor advertising, and digital platforms.
• Ensure Quality Control: Conduct thorough quality checks on all assigned design work, verifying accuracy, adherence to specifications, and strict compliance with the university's brand guidelines.
• Manage Digital Assets: Perform image manipulations, retouching, and prepare final artwork files for dispatch and pre-press, ensuring optimal quality and format for diverse applications.
• Build Client Relationships: Maintain strong, proactive connections with internal stakeholders and clients, effectively managing expectations, providing clear communication, and ensuring timely project delivery.
• Collaborate on Design Solutions: Work closely with senior designers to implement and execute existing design solutions, contributing to the visual storytelling of the university.
• Brand Consistency Enforcement: Champion the university's brand identity by ensuring all visual outputs are consistent with established brand guidelines and strategic marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize execution and adherence to established standards, characteristic of an operational role within a creative department. The focus on quality control, digital asset management, and client relationship management highlights the operational aspects of design production.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A relevant degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field is preferred.
• Extensive, proven experience in graphic design and marketing may substitute for a formal degree.

Experience:

• Proven experience in producing finished artwork within a large, complex organization is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in client service and stakeholder management within a corporate or institutional environment is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is mandatory for producing high-quality visual assets.
• Brand Identity Management: Strong understanding and practical application of brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency across all design outputs.
• Marketing Collateral Production: Experience in designing and preparing artwork for diverse marketing channels, including print, digital, and merchandise.
• Quality Control & Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy, polish, and adherence to specifications in all design deliverables.
• Client Service & Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to effectively communicate, manage expectations, and build positive working relationships with internal clients and stakeholders.
• Image Manipulation & Pre-Press Preparation: Skilled in image retouching, color correction, and preparing files for professional printing and digital deployment.

Preferred Skills:

• Visual Storytelling: Ability to translate complex information and institutional narratives into compelling visual communications.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with DAM systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets.
• Project Management Tools: Experience with project management software to track design workflows and deadlines.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with marketing teams, content creators, and other creative professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills highlight a blend of technical design expertise and operational acumen, focusing on execution, quality, and stakeholder interaction rather than purely conceptual design. The emphasis on a large organizational context suggests a need for adaptability and adherence to established processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Finished Artwork Examples: Showcase a range of polished, production-ready design pieces for various media (print, digital, merchandise), demonstrating adherence to brand guidelines.
• Brand Consistency Case Studies: Include examples where you successfully applied and maintained brand identity across multiple projects or campaigns.
• Workflow & Efficiency Documentation: Provide examples of how you managed project timelines, quality control processes, and client feedback loops to ensure efficient delivery.
• Digital Asset Preparation: Demonstrate examples of preparing files for print (e.g., CMYK, bleed, resolution) and digital platforms (e.g., optimized web graphics, social media assets).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of understanding and contributing to design production workflows, focusing on efficiency and error reduction.
• Quality Assurance Protocols: Examples of implementing quality control checks and processes to ensure design accuracy and brand compliance.
• Asset Management Practices: Showcase how you have organized, managed, and maintained digital assets to ensure accessibility and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Studio Graphic Designer" role, the portfolio should emphasize execution and adherence to established brand standards rather than conceptual innovation. The focus is on demonstrating the ability to produce high-quality, on-brand assets efficiently within an organizational framework, aligning with operational excellence in design production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $86,943 - $99,864 p.a. plus 17% superannuation (AUD)

Benefits:

• Salary Packaging: Opportunity to structure your salary to potentially maximize tax benefits.
• Health and Wellbeing Programs: Access to a range of initiatives and services designed to support employee well-being.
• Discounted Services: Benefits may include discounts on services such as Bupa health insurance.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Investment in employee growth through training, workshops, and further learning opportunities.
• Supportive Flexible Work Arrangements: Commitment to fostering a positive work-life balance through flexible work options.
• Progressive Leave Provisions: Generous and considerate leave policies to support work-life balance.
• Working with Children Check (WWCC) Reimbursement: The cost of the required WWCC will be reimbursed during the onboarding process.

Working Hours: Full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for supportive flexible work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided directly in the job description. The benefits are extensive and detailed, focusing on holistic employee support and work-life balance, which are attractive to professionals in any field, including operations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Research Company Size: Large (University of Melbourne is a major global institution with tens of thousands of employees and students)

Founded: 1853 (The University of Melbourne has a long and distinguished history, shaping its culture around academic excellence, research impact, and societal contribution.)

Team Structure:

• Department: Advancement, Communications & Marketing (ACM)
• Team: Studio team within ACM, likely reporting to a Senior Designer or Creative Lead.
• Collaboration: Works closely with senior designers, marketing managers, and various university stakeholders across different faculties and departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The ACM function uses data to inform decision-making across marketing and communications.
• Best Practice & Collaboration: Fosters a culture of best practice and collaboration among communication and marketing teams.
• Brand Adherence: Strong emphasis on maintaining a consistent and impactful university brand identity through established guidelines and processes.

Company Website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Melbourne's culture is deeply rooted in its academic mission, research excellence, and commitment to societal impact. For operations roles, this translates to a structured environment that values quality, consistency, and collaboration to support these core objectives. The Advancement, Communications & Marketing department specifically focuses on strategic outreach and brand management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level Studio Graphic Designer role. It's focused on executing established design solutions rather than strategic brand development, indicating an operational support function within the creative team.

Reporting Structure: The Studio Graphic Designer will likely report to a Senior Graphic Designer or a Creative Manager within the Advancement, Communications & Marketing department.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is primarily on ensuring the visual consistency and quality of marketing and communication materials, which directly supports the university's brand perception, recruitment efforts, and overall institutional reputation. Efficient and on-brand design production is crucial for effective marketing operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital asset optimization, print production, or brand guideline application.
• Project Leadership: Potential to take lead on smaller, defined design projects as experience grows.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various university departments and their specific marketing needs, broadening understanding of institutional operations.
• Advancement within ACM: Potential career progression to Senior Graphic Designer or other roles within the Advancement, Communications & Marketing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely to be iterative, focusing on mastering design execution, process efficiency, and deepening understanding of the university's complex operational structure and brand needs, rather than rapid advancement into strategic design leadership from day one.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus, suggesting a traditional office environment within a large educational institution.

Office Location(s): Parkville, Victoria, Australia. This is the main campus, known for its vibrant academic atmosphere and extensive facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Studio Environment: The role is part of a "Studio" team, implying a collaborative workspace where designers work together, share feedback, and support each other's projects.
• Access to Resources: As part of a major university, designers will have access to necessary technology, software, and potentially a library of brand assets and templates.
• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with marketing managers, communications specialists, and other professionals within the Advancement, Communications & Marketing department.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the possibility of supportive flexible work arrangements. This balance is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being in a demanding creative operations role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, access to institutional resources, and adherence to a structured work environment typical of large educational institutions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on examples of finished artwork, brand consistency, and efficient production processes.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a short design exercise or discussion on software proficiency and problem-solving approaches.
• Behavioural & Situational Interviews: Questions will likely focus on stakeholder management, quality control, working under pressure, and collaboration within a large organizational context.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with key stakeholders or senior leadership to assess cultural fit and alignment with the team's operational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Execution Excellence: Prioritize examples of high-quality, polished finished artwork that clearly demonstrates adherence to brand guidelines.
• Highlight Process Efficiency: Include brief explanations or case studies on how you managed projects, ensured quality, and met deadlines efficiently.
• Demonstrate Brand Application: Provide clear examples of how you’ve applied and maintained brand identity across diverse marketing materials.
• Focus on Client Collaboration: If possible, subtly highlight instances of successful stakeholder management and communication within your project descriptions.
• Prepare for Specific Media: Be ready to discuss your process for preparing files for print, merchandise, and various digital platforms.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Guideline Interpretation: Be prepared to discuss how you interpret and apply complex brand guidelines in practical design scenarios.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would handle common design production challenges, such as tight deadlines, conflicting feedback, or technical issues.
• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating your design choices and processes clearly and concisely, focusing on how your work supports marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process and portfolio review will heavily emphasize practical execution, adherence to established standards, and operational efficiency over conceptual innovation. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their ability to function effectively within a structured, brand-conscious environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign is essential for all aspects of graphic design production.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Familiarity with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for project documentation, basic data handling, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct requirement, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for digital assets) can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but an understanding of how marketing collateral integrates with broader marketing automation or CRM strategies may be advantageous.

Other Potential Tools:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with DAM software for organizing and retrieving assets.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for workflow tracking.
• File Transfer Protocols: Understanding of secure file transfer methods for dispatching print-ready files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is standard for graphic design. The emphasis is on mastery of Adobe Creative Suite for production, with a secondary focus on tools that support efficient workflow and asset management within a large organization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished design work that meets stringent university standards.
• Brand Integrity: Upholding and consistently applying the University of Melbourne's brand identity across all visual communications.
• Efficiency & Reliability: Delivering projects on time and within specifications, contributing to the smooth operation of marketing campaigns.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within a studio environment, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a positive team dynamic.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy and polish in every deliverable.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively collaborating with the wider Advancement, Communications & Marketing team, as well as stakeholders from various university departments.
• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to enhance design quality and workflow efficiency.
• Process-Oriented: Working within defined processes and workflows to ensure consistency and manage project flow effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture likely values precision, reliability, and a collaborative spirit focused on operational excellence within the creative domain. The emphasis is on collective success in delivering high-quality marketing assets that represent the university effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the diverse design requirements and expectations from various university departments and faculties.
• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying complex and potentially evolving brand guidelines across a wide range of applications.
• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Producing high-quality artwork under pressure to meet campaign timelines and event schedules.
• Navigating Large Organizational Processes: Understanding and working within the established protocols and approval processes of a large institution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in areas like print production, digital optimization, and image manipulation.
• Brand Management Deep Dive: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the University of Melbourne's brand strategy and its application.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about the marketing and communication needs of different faculties and research areas within the university.
• Professional Development: Access to workshops, training, and resources to enhance design skills and potentially explore related areas like UX/UI or motion graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of operational roles within large, established organizations, focusing on process adherence, stakeholder management, and efficiency. Growth opportunities lean towards deepening expertise and broadening understanding of the institution's operational landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Application: "How would you approach designing a new marketing flyer for a specific faculty while strictly adhering to the University of Melbourne's brand guidelines?" (Focus on process, interpretation of guidelines, and quality checks.)
• Workflow Management: "Describe your process for managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize and ensure quality?" (Highlight organizational skills, time management, and quality control.)
• Stakeholder Communication: "Imagine a stakeholder provides feedback that conflicts with brand guidelines. How would you handle this situation?" (Emphasize diplomacy, clear communication, and focusing on brand integrity and strategic objectives.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• University's Mission: "What interests you about contributing visually to a leading global university like the University of Melbourne?" (Show understanding of the institution's academic and research mission.)
• Team Collaboration: "Describe a time you collaborated with a team to achieve a design outcome. What was your role and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Focus on teamwork, communication, and shared goals.)
• Quality Focus: "How do you ensure the highest level of quality and accuracy in your design work, especially when working under pressure?" (Reiterate attention to detail, quality control steps, and commitment to excellence.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure by Media Type: Organize your portfolio to showcase distinct examples for print, digital, merchandise, etc., detailing the project's objective and your role.
• Highlight Brand Adherence: For each piece, briefly explain how it aligns with brand guidelines and the overall marketing objective.
• Explain Your Process: For selected key projects, walk through your workflow from brief to final artwork, emphasizing your quality control steps and problem-solving approaches.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have examples where design directly led to measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement), be prepared to discuss them.
• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, file preparation techniques, and understanding of print/digital specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design execution skills, a strong understanding of brand management, and the ability to work efficiently and collaboratively within a large, structured institutional environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Studio Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the University of Melbourne's careers portal.
• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in graphic design production, brand guideline adherence, client management, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite within large organizations. Use keywords from the job description such as "finished artwork," "quality control," and "stakeholder management."
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in the University of Melbourne and how your skills and experience align with the role's emphasis on executing established design solutions and supporting marketing operations. Mention your understanding of working within a prestigious institutional context.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest work focusing on polished, on-brand finished artwork. Be prepared to discuss your process, quality control measures, and how you manage client relationships and deadlines. Ensure it showcases your ability to work within established brand frameworks.
• Research the University: Familiarize yourself with the University of Melbourne's brand, its mission, and recent marketing campaigns to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of its operational context.

⚠️ 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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