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: Student Employment - Graphic Design & Marketing Support

Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role provides essential graphic design and content creation support for the St. Olaf College Residence Life Office, focusing on enhancing the department's branding and communication strategy.

• The position involves developing visual assets for physical and digital platforms, including flyers, pamphlets, social media content, and website elements.

• Key responsibilities extend to supporting social media engagement and strategy, contributing to website management, and acting as a visual representative for on-campus living.

• The Graphic Designer Assistant will also participate in on-call duties, providing secondary support for resident issues and concerns outside of regular business hours, and collaborating with facilities operations and front desk teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically designed for current St. Olaf College students and is classified as a Student Employee position. The focus is on practical application of graphic design skills within a residential life context, emphasizing branding, marketing, and student engagement. The inclusion of on-call duties and direct resident support indicates a blend of creative and operational responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Content Creation & Design: Create, assist with, and coordinate the production of official Residence Life flyers, informational pamphlets, and other marketing materials.

• Brand Consistency: Review and edit all graphic designs to ensure they align with Residence Life's official branding and marketing guidelines.

• Marketing Strategy Support: Assist in coordinating various marketing methods, including direct mail, print advertisements, social media campaigns, and exploring new marketing channels.

• Social Media & Digital Content: Develop social media tactics in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Office, and create visual asset content for digital platforms.

• File Management: Establish and maintain an organized electronic file database for the storage of all created content and design assets.

• Training & Development: Actively participate in all mandatory trainings, in-service sessions, and professional development meetings scheduled by the Residence Life Office, including Mental Health First Aid.

• On-Call Duty: Serve on an on-call rotation (7 pm-7 am weekdays, 24 hours weekends), holding the duty phone to respond to resident issues and concerns, and be accessible for secondary support within 15 minutes of campus.

• Operational Support: Provide primary on-campus support when requested during on-call periods, act as a point of contact between student staff and facilities operations after hours, and support front desk operations as needed.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative output (graphic design, social media) and operational support (on-call duty, transition assistance). This suggests the role requires adaptability and a willingness to engage in both administrative and creative tasks. The emphasis on "creating, assisting, and coordinating" implies a collaborative environment where the GDA contributes to the overall marketing and operational success of the Residence Life team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must be currently enrolled in a degree program at St. Olaf College.

• Must maintain good standing in academics and conduct throughout the employment period.

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

• Minimum cumulative/semester GPA of 2.5 required; retention may be based on individual consultation if GPA falls below.

Experience:

• Experience in graphic design, marketing, or content creation is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to create visually appealing and effective graphic materials.

• Social Media Engagement: Understanding of social media platforms and strategies for engagement.

• Website Management Support: Basic familiarity with website content updates or management.

• Visual Asset Creation: Ability to produce high-quality visual content for various media.

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

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and responsibilities efficiently.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal and written communication.

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

• Time Management: Excellent skills in prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines, especially with varied work hours.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, editing, and task completion.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Google Suite: Proficiency in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is highly desirable.

• Experience with content management systems (CMS) for website updates.

• Basic understanding of marketing principles and campaign development.

• Experience in a higher education or residential life setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly target current St. Olaf students, emphasizing academic standing and conduct. While graphic design software proficiency is preferred, the core requirement is the ability to create and manage content, suggesting a focus on practical output rather than advanced technical mastery of specific design tools for this entry-level student role. The inclusion of "extroverted characteristics" in the job description implies a need for proactive engagement and communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Samples: A curated selection of graphic design projects, demonstrating creativity, layout skills, and adherence to branding guidelines. This can include flyers, social media graphics, brochures, or any other relevant visual marketing materials.

• Branding Integration Examples: Showcase how you've incorporated or maintained specific branding elements in past projects, highlighting an understanding of brand consistency.

• Content Creation Examples: If applicable, include examples of social media posts, digital graphics, or website mockups that show your ability to create engaging online content.

• Process Documentation (Optional but Recommended): Briefly describe your design process for a selected project, from concept to final output, demonstrating your workflow and problem-solving approach.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates may be asked to describe their process for creating marketing materials from a brief, including ideation, design, feedback incorporation, and finalization.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to manage digital assets and maintain an organized file system.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly stated as a mandatory requirement in the initial description, it's strongly implied by the "graphic design support" and "create innovative graphic marketing materials" duties. For a student role, demonstrating existing design capabilities through a few key projects will be crucial. The emphasis should be on showcasing practical application and creative output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $11.75 - $12.75 per hour

Benefits:

• Housing: A double-occupancy room with a chosen roommate is provided. If a roommate is not selected, the bed will be added to the vacancy list. Total housing costs for Summer Session 1, Summer Session 2, and Intersession are waived.

• Wage: All administrative hours worked outside of the on-call rotation will be paid at the specified hourly rate.

• Disclaimer: Work award is not capped during the summer term. If employment ends before the agreed-upon date, payment for housing will be retroactively removed at a weekly prorated amount.

Working Hours:

• Summer Hours: Negotiable based on academic class enrollment:

  • If an academic class is taken: Minimum 12 - Maximum 20 hours per week.
  • If no academic class is taken: Minimum 12 - Maximum 40 hours per week.

• On-Call Rotation: Includes evening and weekend shifts (7 pm-7 am weekdays, 24 hours weekends).

• Mandatory Training: Specific dates will be provided; includes weekend training sessions in late April and May.

• Regular Meetings: Mondays from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (may be canceled if necessary).

• Additional Commitments: Availability for summer housing transitions, fall/interim/spring move-ins and closings, and other scheduled meetings/trainings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation package is highly attractive for a student role, including a competitive hourly wage, waived housing costs for multiple terms, and flexibility in weekly hours based on academic schedules. The inclusion of housing as a primary benefit significantly enhances the total compensation value.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Educational Services)

Company Size: St. Olaf College is a private liberal arts college with a significant student body and staff, indicating a structured yet community-focused environment.

Founded: 1874, with a long-standing history and established traditions in liberal arts education.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer Assistant will be part of the Residence Life Team, reporting to the Associate Dean of Students for Residence Life & Student Conduct or their designee.

• This role involves close collaboration with other Residence Life staff, student leaders (RAs, etc.), and potentially the Marketing and Communications Office.

Methodology:

• The Residence Life Office likely employs a student-centered approach, focusing on creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging living environment.

• Marketing and communication efforts will be data-informed, aiming to effectively convey the value of on-campus living to current and prospective students.

• Process optimization will focus on improving resident experience, streamlining administrative tasks, and ensuring efficient operational support.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: St. Olaf College's culture is rooted in its liberal arts tradition, emphasizing holistic student development, community engagement, and a strong sense of belonging. The Residence Life department plays a crucial role in this mission, and the Graphic Designer Assistant position contributes to fostering that community through visual communication and support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Position

Reporting Structure:

• Directly reports to the Associate Dean of Students for Residence Life & Student Conduct or a designated supervisor within the department.

Operations Impact:

• The GDA's work directly impacts the Residence Life department's ability to communicate effectively with students, promote campus living, and maintain a cohesive brand identity.

• Strong visual communication can influence student engagement with residential programs and resources, contributing to a positive campus living experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone graphic design skills, develop social media marketing strategies, and gain experience in website content management.

• Professional Experience: Build a portfolio of work and gain practical experience in a professional office environment, valuable for future internships and job applications.

• Networking: Develop relationships with Residence Life staff, faculty, and other student leaders, expanding professional networks.

• Leadership Potential: Demonstrate responsibility, initiative, and communication skills, which can lead to future leadership roles within Residence Life or other campus organizations.

• Transferable Skills: Gain significant experience in interpersonal communication, organization, time management, and teamwork, all highly valued across various career paths.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, "growth" is primarily defined by skill acquisition, portfolio building, and developing professional competencies. The direct reporting line and collaborative team structure offer opportunities for mentorship and practical learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based within the St. Olaf College campus, likely involving work within the Residence Life office and potentially other campus locations for events or on-call duties.

Office Location(s): Northfield, Minnesota, on the St. Olaf College campus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires interaction with various student staff and administrative personnel, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary office equipment, design software (potentially), and communication tools will be provided. The role specifies proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

• Student-Centric Focus: The environment is geared towards supporting student success and well-being, with a focus on community building within residential halls.

Work Schedule:

• A mix of scheduled graphic design work, mandatory meetings, on-call duty, and potential availability for housing transitions.

• Flexibility is offered for academic class schedules during the summer, with structured hours ranging from 12 to 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is crucial, especially given the on-call responsibilities and the need for physical presence for events and transitions. The workspace will likely be dynamic, supporting both creative tasks and operational duties within a higher education setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Interested students must submit their application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal.

• Screening: Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility criteria (enrollment, GPA, conduct standing) and relevant skills and experience.

• Portfolio Review (Implied): Candidates will likely be asked to submit or present a small portfolio of graphic design work to demonstrate their capabilities.

• Interview: Shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview, likely with the Associate Dean of Students or their designee. This will assess communication skills, motivation, understanding of the role, and cultural fit.

• Training Confirmation: Successful candidates must commit to mandatory training dates.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Pieces: Choose 3-5 of your strongest graphic design projects that best showcase your skills relevant to marketing and branding.

• Highlight Relevance: If possible, include projects that are similar in style or purpose to what the Residence Life office might need (e.g., event flyers, social media graphics, informational brochures).

• Showcase Process: Be prepared to briefly explain your design process for one or two pieces – your inspiration, challenges, and how you arrived at the final design.

• Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio reflects your proficiency with design tools and your understanding of visual principles.

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio clearly, whether digital or physical, and be ready to walk the interviewer through it confidently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a flyer for a specific Residence Life event (e.g., a floor meeting, a hall-wide social event).

• Consider how you would use social media to promote on-campus living.

• Think about your communication style and how you would handle a resident concern during an on-call shift.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly detailed, a portfolio is a standard expectation for graphic design roles. For student positions, it's often more about demonstrating potential and existing skills rather than extensive professional experience. Focus on clarity, creativity, and alignment with the role's responsibilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: While not explicitly listed, proficiency with tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is highly preferred for effective graphic design. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with such software.

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

• Google Suite: Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive for collaborative document creation, data organization, and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Social Media Analytics: Potential use of built-in analytics tools on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to track engagement.

• Website Analytics: Basic understanding or ability to learn how to track website traffic or engagement metrics if involved in website management.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Communication Tools: Likely use of college-wide email systems and potentially internal messaging platforms for team communication.

• File Storage & Sharing: Google Drive or similar cloud-based solutions for managing and sharing design assets and project files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite. However, for a graphic design role, it's critical to highlight any experience with industry-standard design software. The ability to learn and adapt to new tools and platforms is also a key attribute.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Well-being: A primary focus on creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all residents.

• Community Building: Emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging and positive community within the residence halls.

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

• Responsibility & Accountability: Taking ownership of assigned duties, including on-call responsibilities, and acting with professionalism.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Valuing and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all students and staff.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The Residence Life team functions collaboratively, with shared responsibility for student success and operational efficiency.

• Cross-Functional: Requires coordination with various departments across the college, including facilities, student affairs, and marketing.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is shared to improve processes and enhance resident experiences.

• Proactive Communication: Open and regular communication is expected, especially during on-call shifts and for event coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture of Residence Life departments in higher education typically emphasizes service, community, and student development. The GDA role is integrated into this culture, requiring a blend of creative contribution and operational support that aligns with the department's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative & Operational Duties: Juggling graphic design tasks with on-call responsibilities and administrative support requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Meeting Diverse Needs: Creating marketing materials that appeal to a broad student audience and address various Residence Life initiatives.

• Working with Feedback: Incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders on design projects to achieve desired outcomes.

• On-Call Responsibilities: Handling resident concerns and operational issues effectively and professionally outside of regular business hours.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Portfolio Expansion: Gain tangible design projects to add to a professional portfolio.

• Industry Software Exposure: If not already proficient, gain hands-on experience with industry-standard graphic design software.

• Marketing Strategy Insights: Learn about developing and executing marketing campaigns for a specific audience.

• Higher Education Operations: Understand the operational dynamics of a university's Residence Life department.

• Interpersonal & Crisis Management: Develop skills in communication, conflict resolution, and managing situations during on-call duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for student roles that blend creative work with operational responsibilities. The growth opportunities are substantial for a student position, offering practical experience and skill development across multiple domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Approach: "Describe your process for creating a flyer for a student event. What information is crucial, and how do you ensure it's visually engaging?"

• Social Media Engagement: "How would you use social media to promote the benefits of living on campus for the upcoming academic year?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a resident reports a non-urgent issue via the duty phone late on a Saturday night. How would you handle this situation?"

• Teamwork & Collaboration: "Describe a time you worked as part of a team on a project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to its success?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for St. Olaf College Residence Life specifically?"

• "What do you understand about the mission of Residence Life in a college setting?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 Key Pieces: Choose your strongest work that demonstrates creativity, versatility, and an understanding of design principles.

• Explain Your Process: For each piece, briefly walk them through your thought process, target audience, design choices, and any challenges you overcame.

• Highlight Brand Awareness: If you have examples of projects where you adhered to specific brand guidelines, emphasize that.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss the software you used and your comfort level with it.

• Connect to the Role: Explain how your portfolio projects align with the responsibilities of the Graphic Designer Assistant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your design process and philosophy, your understanding of the Residence Life mission, and how you would handle the on-call duties. Demonstrating enthusiasm for both creative and supportive aspects of the role will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this student operations position:

• Submit your application through the St. Olaf College Oracle Cloud portal at the provided URL.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a small, digital portfolio (e.g., a PDF or a link to an online portfolio) showcasing 3-5 of your best graphic design projects that highlight your creativity, design skills, and ability to create marketing materials.

• Resume/Application Optimization: Tailor your resume (if applicable) or application responses to highlight relevant skills such as graphic design, social media engagement, communication, organization, time management, and experience with Microsoft Office/Google Suite.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions related to design process, teamwork, problem-solving, and your understanding of a college Residence Life environment. Be ready to discuss your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with St. Olaf College's mission, values, and the specific role of the Residence Life department in supporting student success and community.

⚠️ 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.