Summer 2026 Student Graphic Designer Assistant (GDA)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Assistant (GDA) (WS)

Company: St. Olaf College

Location: Northfield, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Part-time, Temporary

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services (Student Role)

Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role offers a unique opportunity for a student to gain practical experience in graphic design, content creation, and marketing within a higher education environment, specifically supporting the Residence Life department.

• The position requires a blend of creative skills and interpersonal engagement, acting as a brand ambassador for on-campus living through visual and social media content.

• Key responsibilities include developing and managing visual assets, supporting social media strategy, and maintaining office branding across various platforms.

• Candidates will also be involved in essential operational support, including on-call duties and assisting with student housing transitions, demonstrating a broad scope of responsibilities beyond pure design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a student-focused role, emphasizing practical skill development and on-campus engagement. While the title is "Graphic Designer Assistant," the responsibilities extend into broader marketing support, social media management, and operational duties typical of student leadership positions in university housing. The "WS" likely indicates a Work Study designation, common for student employment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Content Creation & Branding: Design and develop official Residence Life flyers, informational pamphlets, and other marketing materials, ensuring consistent branding across all physical and digital assets.

• Visual Asset Management: Create and maintain an organized electronic file database for all graphic design and content assets, facilitating easy retrieval and usage.

• Marketing & Social Media Support: Assist in coordinating various marketing methods, including print and digital advertisements, social media campaigns, and exploring new marketing avenues in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Office.

• Website & Digital Content: Provide secondary support for website management and visual asset content integration, ensuring a cohesive online presence.

• On-Call Operational Support: Serve on a rotating on-call schedule (evenings, weekends) to respond to resident issues, acting as a point of contact between student staff and facilities operations after regular business hours.

• Student Engagement & Representation: Act as a representative for Residence Life, demonstrating the value of on-campus living through engaging verbal and electronic dialogue.

• Event & Transition Support: Assist with housing transitions at the beginning and end of summer terms, as well as fall, interim, and spring move-ins and closings.

• Training & Development: Fully participate in mandatory staff training, including Mental Health First Aid and summer training sessions, and attend other development meetings as requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a dual focus: creative output (graphic design, content creation) and operational/support functions (on-call duties, transition assistance). The responsibilities are structured to provide a comprehensive student employment experience within a university department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must be currently enrolled in a degree program at St. Olaf College during the academic year.

• Students on the graduation list before the Summer Sessions are not eligible.

• Must maintain good standing in academics and conduct.

Experience:

• Experience in graphic design is preferred, with a strong interest in developing skills in this area.

• Previous experience in student leadership, residence life, or marketing roles is beneficial but not strictly required.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Fundamentals: Ability to create visually appealing graphics for print and digital media.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for various administrative and documentation tasks.

• Google Suite: Familiarity with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for collaborative work and content creation.

• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to engage with students, staff, and faculty.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain detailed records.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal and written communication for responding to inquiries and presenting information.

• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with the Residence Life team and other college departments.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, content accuracy, and operational tasks.

• Time Management: Excellent ability to manage workload, meet deadlines, and balance academic commitments with job responsibilities.

• Professional Etiquette: Ability to act with discretion and handle confidential information appropriately.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Social media management and content creation experience.

• Basic website content management skills.

• Experience in a customer service or support role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a balance between creative aptitude and essential soft skills. While specific design software isn't explicitly mandated, a strong interest and willingness to learn are highlighted, suggesting potential for growth and training. The GPA and conduct requirements are standard for student employment in higher education.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Graphic Design Work Samples: A curated selection of previous graphic design projects, showcasing a range of styles and applications (e.g., flyers, social media posts, brochures).

• Content Creation Examples: Demonstrations of written content, social media posts, or other communication materials developed.

• Process Documentation (Optional): If available, examples of how you've organized projects, managed files, or documented design processes.

• Demonstration of Skills: Visual evidence of proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, potentially through project examples or descriptions.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation isn't a primary requirement for this entry-level role, candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach project management, file organization, and collaboration.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow for design requests, revisions, and final approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student assistant role, the "portfolio" will likely be less formal than for a full-time professional. It should highlight creative output and demonstrate the ability to use required software. The emphasis is on showcasing potential and relevant skills rather than extensive professional project portfolios.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $11.75 - $12.75 per hour

Benefits:

• Housing: A double-occupancy room with a chosen roommate is provided. If no roommate is chosen, the bed will be added to the vacancy list. Total housing cost for Summer Session 1, Summer Session 2, and Intersession is waived.

• Wage: Paid hourly for administrative hours worked outside of the on-call rotation.

• Work Award: The work award is not capped during the summer term, allowing for flexibility in earning potential based on hours worked.

Working Hours:

• Summer Hours: Variable based on academic class enrollment:

  • If taking an academic class: Minimum 12 - Maximum 20 hours per week.
  • If not taking an academic class: Minimum 12 - Maximum 40 hours per week.

• On-Call Duty: Specific evening (7 pm-7 am) and weekend shifts are required, with the duty phone held at all times.

• Mandatory Training: Specific dates for Mental Health First Aid (weekend in late April) and Summer Training (May) will be provided upon offer.

• Meetings: Regular Monday meetings (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM) and other scheduled meetings as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation package is highly attractive for a student role, including waived housing costs and a competitive hourly wage. The flexibility in weekly hours during the summer is a significant benefit, allowing students to tailor their workload. The on-call component is a critical part of the role's operational responsibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Private Liberal Arts College)

Company Size: St. Olaf College is a mid-sized institution with approximately 3,000 undergraduate students and around 1,000 employees. This size fosters a close-knit community feel.

Founded: 1874

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer Assistant will be part of the Office of Residence Life, a department within Student Affairs.

• The direct supervisor is the Associate Dean of Students for Residence Life & Student Conduct or their designee.

Methodology:

• The Residence Life department likely operates with a focus on student development, community building, and creating a safe and supportive living environment.

• Marketing and communications efforts will be data-informed, aiming to effectively recruit and retain students in on-campus housing.

• Operational processes will prioritize efficiency, student well-being, and adherence to college policies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: St. Olaf College emphasizes a liberal arts education with a strong sense of community. The Residence Life department plays a crucial role in student experience, integrating academic support with residential living. The culture within student employment often reflects a balance of professional responsibility and developmental support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level student employment position, designed for skill development and gaining foundational experience in graphic design, marketing support, and operational student life roles.

Reporting Structure: The GDA reports directly to the Associate Dean of Students for Residence Life & Student Conduct or a designated supervisor within the Residence Life team.

Operations Impact: The GDA's work directly impacts the communication effectiveness of the Residence Life department, influencing student awareness of services, events, and policies. Their role in creating a positive visual brand contributes to the overall perception and attractiveness of on-campus living.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Enhance graphic design skills, learn about marketing strategy, gain experience in social media management and website content.

• Professional Experience: Build a portfolio of design work and gain practical experience in a professional office environment within higher education.

• Leadership Potential: Develop interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills through on-call duties and collaboration with staff, which can be transferable to future leadership roles.

• Networking: Build relationships with Residence Life staff and professionals in student affairs and marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, "growth" is primarily focused on skill acquisition and building a foundational experience that can lead to future opportunities, whether in design, higher education administration, or other fields. The on-call duties offer significant opportunities for developing crisis management and communication skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based within the Office of Residence Life, likely a professional administrative office on campus that supports student housing operations.

Office Location(s): Northfield, Minnesota. Specific office location within the college campus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The GDA will work closely with other student staff and professional team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary computer equipment, design software (potentially), and office resources for completing tasks.

• On-Campus Presence: The role requires a physical presence on campus for design work, meetings, and on-call duties.

Work Schedule: A mix of regular business hours for design tasks and specific evening/weekend hours for on-call duties. Flexibility is expected to accommodate academic schedules during the summer, with defined maximum weekly hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a university student support department – a blend of administrative tasks, creative work, and direct student interaction, with an expectation of professionalism and responsiveness.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal.

• Initial Screening: Review of applications for eligibility (current St. Olaf student, GPA, academic standing).

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio of design work.

• Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews with the hiring supervisor (Associate Dean of Students or designee) and potentially other members of the Residence Life team. Interviews will assess design skills, communication, problem-solving, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A brief design exercise or situational question may be used to gauge practical abilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Include your strongest and most relevant design pieces. Aim for quality over quantity.

• Showcase Variety: If possible, include examples of different types of work (flyers, social media graphics, etc.) to demonstrate versatility.

• Contextualize: Briefly describe the purpose of each project, your role, and any tools/software used.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize any work that relates to educational institutions, student life, or marketing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you approach creative briefs, and how you handle feedback or revisions.

• Think about examples of how you've managed your time effectively, especially balancing multiple responsibilities (academic, job, social).

• Consider how you would address a resident concern during an on-call shift or how you would create engaging content for a specific Residence Life event.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for student roles often assesses potential and foundational skills more than extensive experience. Demonstrating enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and strong interpersonal skills will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: While not explicitly listed, proficiency or a strong willingness to learn software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is highly beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint for administrative tasks, reporting, and documentation.

• Google Suite: Docs, Sheets, Slides for collaborative content creation and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with social media analytics platforms (e.g., Instagram Insights, Facebook Analytics) may be helpful for developing social media tactics.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this role, but understanding the concept of organizing and managing digital assets efficiently is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Proficiency in dedicated graphic design software will distinguish candidates and provide a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Success: A primary focus on supporting student development, well-being, and academic success through a positive residential experience.

• Community: Fostering a strong sense of belonging and community among residents and staff.

• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding high standards of conduct, professionalism, and accountability in all duties.

• Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, regardless of background.

• Collaboration: Working effectively as a team to achieve departmental goals and support student needs.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a hierarchical structure within Residence Life, but emphasizes peer support and cross-functional teamwork among student staff.

• Open communication regarding student issues, design requests, and operational challenges is expected.

• Feedback is likely encouraged to improve processes and support services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a university's Residence Life department is typically student-centric, emphasizing support, community, and professional growth for student leaders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Responsibilities: Effectively managing academic workload, on-call duties, and design projects simultaneously requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Design Feedback & Revisions: Learning to professionally receive and implement feedback on creative work can be challenging but is crucial for growth.

• On-Call Situations: Responding to resident issues or emergencies after hours requires composure, problem-solving skills, and adherence to protocols.

• Meeting Diverse Needs: Creating design content that appeals to a broad student audience and meets the varied communication needs of the Residence Life department.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Formal training in Mental Health First Aid and informal learning through on-the-job experience in graphic design and marketing.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insight into the operations and marketing strategies of a higher education institution.

• Professional Development: Honing soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork through practical application.

• Portfolio Building: Creating tangible work samples to showcase for future academic or career pursuits.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed to present manageable challenges that foster significant learning and development for a student. The on-call aspect is a key area for building resilience and practical problem-solving skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple competing priorities. How did you ensure everything was completed on time?" (Assesses time management and organizational skills).

• "Walk us through a graphic design project you are proud of. What was the goal, your process, and the outcome?" (Assesses design thinking and communication).

• "How would you handle a situation where a resident is experiencing a conflict or needs assistance after business hours?" (Assesses problem-solving and on-call readiness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about St. Olaf College and its commitment to student life?" (Assesses research and genuine interest).

• "How do you think your design and communication skills can contribute to the Residence Life team's goals?" (Assesses understanding of the role's impact).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Ready to Share: Have your digital portfolio easily accessible and be prepared to present specific pieces.

• Explain Your Process: For each piece, articulate the objective, your design choices, and the tools you used.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, mention the results or intended impact of your design (e.g., increased event attendance, clearer communication).

• Showcase Adaptability: If you have examples of different design styles or project types, be ready to discuss them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely focus on assessing practical skills (design, communication), problem-solving abilities (especially for on-call scenarios), and alignment with the college's mission and the department's values. Demonstrating enthusiasm for student support and creative work is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio showcasing your best graphic design work. Tailor it to highlight projects relevant to marketing, event promotion, or visual communication.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your academic standing, relevant skills (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, any design software), and any previous experience in leadership, communication, or creative roles.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions related to time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and your design process. Be ready to discuss your portfolio with enthusiasm.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with St. Olaf College's mission, values, and the role of Residence Life in student experience. Understand the importance of on-campus living and student support.

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