Web Designer Student Assistant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer Student Assistant

Company: Associated Students

Location: Long Beach, CA, US

Job Type: Student Assistant

Category: Web Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: 2025-11-14T22:18:00

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a design-focused role, not a coding or software development position, concentrating on web page layout, styling, and user experience (UX/UI).

• The incumbent will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and producing visually engaging and functional webpages using industry-standard design software.

• A foundational understanding of Content Management Systems (CMS) and core web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is essential for effective web implementation.

• The role involves creating and maintaining a portfolio of up to 10 websites for various departments within Associated Students (ASI), requiring strong organizational and project management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role explicitly states it is not a coding position, the requirement for understanding CMS, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript indicates a need for design work that is implementable or easily translatable into web code. The emphasis on "designing on Figma, Adobe XD or other design software" and "formulate concepts and oversee design and production" points towards a role that bridges the gap between creative design and practical web application.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce web page layouts, styling, UX/UI elements, and other artistic renderings for various ASI department websites.

• Translate design concepts into functional web pages using design software such as Figma, Adobe XD, or similar tools.

• Collaborate with the ASI Web and Application Developer, Communications department, and other staff to coordinate design projects, gather requirements, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

• Develop and maintain up to 10 websites, ensuring continuity, readability, compatibility, and accessibility across all ASI web properties through the creation of standardized page templates.

• Provide technical design assistance and guidance to fellow staff and other divisions on web design best practices, user experience enhancements, and content management system utilization.

• Meet with stakeholders to discuss technical requirements, clarify expectations, prioritize design concerns, and establish project deadlines and timelines.

• Maintain an active job and change log to track project progress, updates, and design iterations for all managed websites.

• Ensure all web designs adhere to contemporary color and design theories, web accessibility standards (e.g., ADA 508 compliance), and web optimization best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "formulate concepts and oversee design and production" implies a strategic design role, not just execution. The mention of providing "technical directions where possible" suggests an expectation for the candidate to offer insights beyond pure aesthetics, touching on usability and implementation feasibility within CMS platforms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in a Graphic Design, Art, Computer Science, or a closely related major.

• Must be concurrently enrolled in six or more undergraduate units (or three or more graduate units).

Experience:

• A minimum of one year of hands-on experience utilizing design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or comparable software for web design purposes.

• Demonstrated experience with Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla is required.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in web-based design using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or other industry-standard layout and design programs.

• Strong understanding of fundamental design principles, including layouts, color theory, typography, and graphic design best practices for the web.

• Intermediate knowledge and practical experience with Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal.

• Ability to design for both desktop and mobile responsive websites, adhering to responsive design principles.

• Solid understanding of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design principles to create intuitive and engaging web interfaces.

• Familiarity with web accessibility standards and ADA 508 compliance in web development and design.

• Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with JavaScript libraries such as React or Vue.

• Knowledge of CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS.

• Experience with web analytics tools to understand user behavior and website performance.

• Understanding of web optimizations and performance tuning techniques.

• Familiarity with web site analyzers for error detection and performance bottleneck identification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "basic understanding" of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is crucial. While not a coding role, the candidate must understand these to design effectively for the web. The distinction between "required" and "plus" for JavaScript libraries and CSS frameworks suggests a focus on foundational design skills and CMS proficiency over advanced front-end development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a minimum of one year of design work, showcasing proficiency in using tools like Figma or Adobe XD.

• Include examples of web page layouts, styling, and UX/UI design for diverse applications or clients.

• Showcase experience with Content Management Systems (CMS) through case studies or descriptions of implemented projects.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how design concepts were translated into actionable design specifications or templates.

• Illustrate the process of gathering requirements and collaborating with stakeholders on design projects.

• Demonstrate an understanding of web accessibility standards and how they were integrated into design solutions.

• Show examples of user-centered design approaches and how they influenced design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a student assistant role, the portfolio requirements will likely focus on academic projects, personal projects, or any prior internships that demonstrate the core design and CMS skills. The emphasis on "process" suggests a need to explain how designs were created and refined, not just the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.00 - $17.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in web design and development operations within a student organization setting.

• Exposure to a variety of web projects for different departments, expanding design portfolio and skill set.

• Development of essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, organization, and project management.

• Potential for networking opportunities within the university and student organization structure.

• Flexible work schedule to accommodate academic commitments, as is typical for student assistant roles.

Working Hours: This position is designed for part-time employment, with the expectation of approximately 40 hours per week, though this may vary based on student capacity and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is part-time, 40 hours per week is a significant commitment for a student assistant. This warrants clarification on whether this is a maximum possible hour or a standard expectation, and how it aligns with typical student workloads. The listed salary is competitive for student assistant roles in the Long Beach, CA area, reflecting the specialized design and CMS skills required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Associated Students (ASI) operates within the higher education sector, specifically as a student-governed organization that provides services, programs, and advocacy for students at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Its focus is on student welfare, engagement, and providing essential campus services.

Company Size: As a large student organization at a major university, ASI likely employs a significant number of student staff and potentially some full-time administrative personnel. The exact size can fluctuate based on student enrollment and program scope.

Founded: While the founding date of Associated Students at CSULB is not provided, student organizations typically have a long history tied to the university's establishment, fostering a sense of tradition and institutional support.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will work within a team that includes the ASI Web and Application Developer and the Communications department, suggesting a collaborative environment focused on digital presence and student communication.

• Reporting likely goes to a supervisor within the Communications department or the Web and Application Developer, overseeing design projects and workflow.

Methodology:

• The operations methodology will likely be project-driven, with an emphasis on meeting the design and content needs of different ASI departments.

• Workflow planning will involve coordinating with stakeholders to define requirements, set deadlines, and manage design iterations.

• The team will utilize design software and CMS platforms to deliver functional and aesthetically pleasing web solutions.

Company Website: The provided URL points to ADP's recruitment portal. The company's official website can be found at asicsulb.org.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associated Students" context is crucial. This is not a typical corporate environment but a student-led organization within a university. The culture will likely be dynamic, fast-paced, and focused on student impact, offering a unique work environment for operations professionals interested in higher education or non-profit sectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level, student assistant capacity. It’s an ideal starting point for students pursuing degrees in design, computer science, or related fields, providing practical, real-world experience.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will likely report to a more senior team member, such as the ASI Web and Application Developer or a manager within the Communications department. This provides a clear line of supervision and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer's work directly impacts the digital presence and communication effectiveness of various ASI departments. Well-designed websites improve user experience, enhance information dissemination, and contribute to the overall operational efficiency and public perception of ASI services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in web design tools (Figma, Adobe XD), CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal), and foundational web technologies (HTML, CSS, JS).

• Portfolio Development: Significant opportunity to build a robust professional portfolio with diverse projects, showcasing design versatility and project completion capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Exposure to different departments within ASI allows for understanding varied operational needs and how web design supports them, fostering broader business acumen.

• Potential for Advanced Roles: For exceptional student assistants, there may be opportunities for increased responsibility or continued employment in related roles within ASI or the university, depending on performance and availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Student Assistant" title, the growth is primarily focused on skill acquisition and portfolio building relevant to future careers in design or web development. Formal career progression within ASI might be limited due to the nature of student employment, but the experience gained is highly valuable for external job markets.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position requiring the student to be physically present in the office during their scheduled shifts. The work environment is likely an office space within the Associated Students' facilities at CSULB.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Long Beach, CA, specifically at the Associated Students' location on the CSULB campus.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is described as having a "moderate to high" noise level, suggesting a dynamic and potentially collaborative or busy office atmosphere.

• The role requires regular use of a computer workstation for design tasks, indicating access to necessary hardware and software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members, supervisors, and potentially stakeholders from other departments are inherent to the role, fostering collaborative problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The position involves approximately 40 hours per week. While this is a substantial commitment, student assistant roles typically offer some flexibility to accommodate academic schedules, though the on-site requirement means these hours must be fulfilled in person.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "moderate to high" noise level and the on-site requirement suggest a lively, perhaps less formal, office environment common in university student organizations. Candidates should be comfortable working in such settings and managing their focus amidst potential distractions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, focusing on enrollment status, GPA, and relevant design tool experience.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their web design work, including examples created with Figma, Adobe XD, and any CMS experience. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale, and project outcomes.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or a discussion about web design principles, CMS functionalities, and responsive design concepts.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions may assess teamwork, problem-solving, organization, time management, and ability to work with others in a dynamic environment.

• Final Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager or relevant team lead to assess cultural fit and overall suitability for the student assistant role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills (Figma/Adobe XD, CMS, responsive design, UX/UI).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the problem, your design approach, the tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Visual walkthroughs of your design process are highly effective.

• Highlight CMS Experience: If possible, include examples of websites you've managed or built using WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla. Explain your role and contributions.

• Emphasize Responsiveness: Clearly show how your designs adapt to different screen sizes (desktop, tablet, mobile).

• Address Accessibility: If you've incorporated accessibility considerations, highlight these and your understanding of standards like ADA 508 compliance.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to articulate your design choices, explain your understanding of UX/UI, and discuss your familiarity with web technologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge, such as redesigning a specific page or creating a new feature for an existing ASI website. Focus on user needs and practical implementation within a CMS.

• CMS Knowledge: Review common CMS functionalities and workflows. Understand how designers collaborate with CMS administrators.

• Communication: Practice explaining technical and design concepts clearly and concisely, as you'll need to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "design position" with "strong understanding of Content Management Systems" and "basic understanding of CSS, HTML, JavaScript" means the interview will likely probe how well you can translate design into a usable web product, rather than pure coding ability. The portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Figma, Adobe XD (required), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)

• Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress, Drupal, Joomla (intermediate knowledge required)

• Operating Systems: Windows and/or Mac computers

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) is a plus for understanding user behavior and website performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned, but basic understanding of how web content integrates with broader organizational communication tools might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Adobe XD as primary design tools, alongside CMS platforms, underscores the core technical requirements. While not a coding role, a basic grasp of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is deemed necessary, implying the designer should understand the constraints and capabilities of these technologies for effective web implementation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouragement to explore creative solutions and design "stunning, fun and exciting" websites.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working with the ASI Web and Application Developer, Communications department, and other ASI divisions.

• User-Centered Design: A focus on creating websites that are intuitive, accessible, and meet the needs of the student audience.

• Accountability & Punctuality: As a student assistant role, reliability, meeting deadlines, and being punctual are critical.

• Continuous Learning: Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving web design standards.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close collaboration with technical counterparts (Web and Application Developer) and communication professionals.

• Expect regular meetings with stakeholders from various departments to gather requirements and present design concepts.

• A culture of providing and receiving technical assistance and design feedback is implied, fostering a supportive learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a blend of creative professional standards with the specific context of a student organization – balancing artistic expression with practical application, teamwork, and reliability for organizational success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Technical Constraints: Creating visually appealing designs that are also feasible to implement within CMS limitations and adhere to web standards.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Simultaneously designing for up to 10 different websites, each with unique departmental needs and stakeholder expectations.

• Keeping Up with Web Trends: Ensuring designs are contemporary and user-friendly while also considering long-term maintainability and accessibility.

• Working within a Student Organization Structure: Navigating potential communication complexities, bureaucratic processes, and diverse stakeholder needs inherent in a university environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Design Tool Proficiency: Gain extensive experience with Figma and Adobe XD through daily practical application.

• Master CMS Implementation: Develop intermediate to advanced skills in using popular CMS platforms like WordPress or Drupal for website management and content integration.

• Understand Web Technologies: Enhance foundational knowledge of HTML, CSS, and responsive design principles through practical design application.

• Develop UX/UI Expertise: Apply user-centered design principles to create engaging and effective web experiences for a diverse student audience.

• Build a Professional Portfolio: Create a substantial body of work that can be leveraged for future career opportunities in design or web development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in practical skill application and portfolio development, directly addressing the core requirements of the role and preparing the student for future employment in related fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a webpage from concept to final mock-up using Figma/Adobe XD." (Focus on your workflow, user research, iteration, and stakeholder feedback).

• "How do you ensure your web designs are responsive and accessible across different devices and for users with disabilities?" (Discuss your understanding of responsive grids, mobile-first design, and accessibility standards like WCAG/ADA 508).

• "Walk us through a project where you had to work with a Content Management System. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight your CMS experience, problem-solving skills, and ability to work within platform constraints).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Associated Students at CSULB and our mission?" (Research the ASI website, understand their role on campus, and connect it to the importance of their web presence).

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially if it's critical?" (Showcase an open, collaborative attitude and a willingness to iterate based on constructive criticism).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the tools used, your design process, key design decisions, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your selected projects demonstrate proficiency in Figma/Adobe XD, CMS understanding, responsive design, and UX/UI principles.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you can, mention any positive outcomes such as improved user engagement, easier navigation, or successful content delivery.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your design choices, technical considerations, and problem-solving approaches for each project.

• Showcase Versatility: If you have designs for different types of projects or clients, showcase that range.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily assess your design portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and understanding of web principles within the context of a CMS. Demonstrating a user-centered approach and collaborative spirit will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Web Designer Student Assistant position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 of your strongest design projects that showcase proficiency in Figma/Adobe XD, CMS experience, responsive design, and UX/UI. Ensure it highlights your design process and problem-solving skills.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, design tool experience, CMS familiarity, and any prior design-related projects or internships. Use keywords from the job description such as "Figma," "Adobe XD," "CMS," "WordPress," "responsive design," and "UX/UI."

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio with clarity and confidence, be ready to explain your design choices, and prepare for potential design challenges.

• Research ASI: Familiarize yourself with the Associated Students at CSULB (asicsulb.org) to understand their mission and the importance of their digital presence. Prepare to discuss how your design skills can contribute to their goals.

⚠️ 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.