Lead Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Graphic Designer

Company: Associated Students, Inc.

Location: San Luis Obispo, California, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry-Level to Junior)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead graphic design initiatives to support ASI promotional, collateral, and digital materials, ensuring adherence to brand standards.

• Provide essential scheduling assistance and monitor daily/weekly task lists to optimize design team workflow and project delivery.

• Review design concepts and campaigns, ensuring a consistent ASI branded appearance aligned with Cal Poly brand guidelines.

• Develop and revise training materials for graphic design staff, fostering skill development and technical support capabilities.

• Lead and guide other graphic designers, promoting a collaborative and productive work environment focused on creative excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lead Graphic Designer," the experience level (0-2 years) and the requirement for current Cal Poly student enrollment suggest this is an advanced student leadership role rather than a traditional lead position overseeing experienced professionals. The "lead" aspect likely pertains to mentorship, task delegation, and ensuring brand consistency within a student team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create original artwork and designs for a wide range of print and digital marketing materials, including flyers, brochures, posters, T-shirts, web advertisements, and social media posts.

• Plan and implement print layouts for multi-page publications, integrated marketing campaigns, and individual collateral pieces, ensuring cohesive visual narratives.

• Coordinate photography and video graphics as needed for assignments, integrating visual assets seamlessly into design projects.

• Manage relationships with on- and off-campus vendors to obtain quotes, set production timelines, oversee print processes, check proofs, and receive final products.

• Maintain consistent communication with internal clients to clarify project details, assess design needs, and manage revisions, ensuring project success and client satisfaction.

• Maintain a comprehensive archive of individual project specifications, drafts, and final proofs for future reference and brand consistency.

• Adhere strictly to ASI style and branding guidelines, as well as Cal Poly brand guidelines, for all design outputs.

• Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and retreats to stay informed and contribute to team development.

• Provide quality customer service to all staff and customers, acting as a point of contact for design-related inquiries.

• Learn and adopt new technology, providing training and technical support to other graphic designer staff to enhance team capabilities.

• Conduct inventory of design supplies and communicate needs to the supervisor to ensure adequate resources.

• Ensure a safe environment for all participants and be aware of safety concerns and risk management principles.

• Commit to student development and leadership principles, fostering growth within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a hands-on design role with significant project management and client-facing components, typical for a student leader in an operational capacity within a university organization. The emphasis on vendor management and client communication highlights the practical application of design skills in a real-world business context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must be a currently enrolled student at Cal Poly with a minimum of 6 units. Graduate students must carry 4 units.

• Bachelor's degree coursework in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field is highly preferred, demonstrating foundational knowledge. Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the creation of original artwork.

• Proven experience in the study and application of typography principles.

• Experience in preparing graphics for both print and digital marketing materials.

• Familiarity with managing project deadlines and maintaining work calendars. Required Skills:

• Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Mac computers.

• Strong understanding of typography, including font selection, hierarchy, and legibility.

• Proficient in creating original artwork and graphic elements.

• Ability to be highly organized, work independently, and possess strong planning skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for client and team interaction.

• Working knowledge of Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork in a productive work atmosphere.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

• Keen attention to detail in design execution and proofreading. Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of video or motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects).

• Experience with digital marketing platforms and their graphic requirements (e.g., social media, web ads).

• Familiarity with print production processes and vendor coordination.

• Experience providing leadership or guidance to peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical design skills and software proficiency, but also highlight essential soft skills like communication, organization, and teamwork, crucial for a collaborative student environment. The "lead" aspect is supported by the need for leadership and training abilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of original graphic design projects showcasing a range of skills (print, digital, branding).

• Demonstrations of applied knowledge in typography, layout design, and visual hierarchy.

• Examples of work created for marketing campaigns or promotional materials, if available.

• Evidence of ability to adhere to brand guidelines and maintain a consistent visual identity.

• Documentation of projects that involved client interaction or vendor coordination, if applicable. Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of the design workflow from concept to final production, including client briefing, concept development, revisions, and final delivery.

• Include examples that illustrate problem-solving approaches to design challenges.

• Present projects that required adherence to specific project deadlines and organizational standards.

• Highlight any process improvements or efficiencies introduced in previous design roles or academic projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, the portfolio should focus on academic projects, personal work, or any previous internships/volunteer experiences that demonstrate core design competencies and the ability to manage projects from start to finish. The emphasis should be on showcasing design thinking and execution rather than extensive professional experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Hourly Pay Rate: $18.40 per hour

• Hourly Pay Range: $18.40 per hour - $18.40 per hour

• Justification for Range: The provided salary is a fixed hourly rate. This rate is competitive for a student leadership position in the San Luis Obispo area, considering the responsibilities and the requirement of current student enrollment. This rate aligns with entry-level to junior design roles, particularly those within university auxiliary organizations that often offer structured pay scales for student staff.

Benefits:

• The position requires a minimum of two consecutive terms of work availability.

• Opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in graphic design, marketing, and leadership within a university setting.

• Development of professional skills in client communication, project management, and vendor relations.

• Networking opportunities with university staff, faculty, and external vendors.

• Contribution to student life and campus initiatives through impactful design work.

• Potential for mentorship and guidance from the Assistant Coordinator–Marketing (Creative Operations). Working Hours:

• This is a Part-Time position. Specific weekly hours will be determined based on project needs and student availability, likely within standard business hours.

• Requires a minimum of two consecutive terms of work availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits for this role are primarily experiential and developmental, focusing on skill acquisition, professional growth, and practical application within a university environment, which is typical for student employment. The fixed hourly rate is a common compensation structure for student positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• The Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) operates within the non-profit, higher education support services sector. As a student-led organization at Cal Poly, ASI provides essential services and programming that enhance the student experience. Its operations are deeply intertwined with the university's mission and its brand.

• Market Context: ASI's role is to serve the student body, manage student fees, and provide recreational, cultural, and governance opportunities. This means design work must resonate with a student audience while upholding institutional branding and values.

Company Size:

• While specific numbers for ASI are not provided, as a primary student organization at a university like Cal Poly, it likely employs a significant number of student staff and a smaller core of professional staff.

• Operations Implications: A student-focused organization implies a dynamic, often fast-paced environment where adaptability and clear communication are key. Student employees bring fresh perspectives but require structured guidance and training, which the "Lead" role is designed to facilitate.

Founded:

• Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) at Cal Poly was established to represent student interests and provide services funded by student fees. While the exact founding year for ASI at Cal Poly is not specified in the provided data, these organizations typically have a long history of supporting student life and governance.

• Relevance to Operations: A long-standing presence suggests established processes, a defined culture, and a commitment to student development, providing a stable yet evolving operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Graphic Designer reports to the Assistant Coordinator–Marketing (Creative Operations).

• The design team consists of the Lead Graphic Designer and other graphic designers, implying a structure where the Lead provides direct guidance and oversight to peers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires collaboration with various internal clients (students, departments, programs) who request design services. This necessitates strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Design decisions are expected to be informed by ASI's brand guidelines and potentially Cal Poly's brand standards, ensuring consistency and brand integrity.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The Lead is responsible for monitoring task lists and providing scheduling assistance, indicating a focus on efficient workflow management within the design team.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, the expectation to "learn new technology" and provide technical support suggests an openness to leveraging tools and processes that enhance design efficiency.

Company Website: asi.calpoly.edu

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The company website provides crucial context for understanding ASI's mission, services, and student engagement strategies, which directly influence the type of design work and branding considerations for this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior leadership opportunity within a student organization's marketing/creative operations. It's ideal for students seeking to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting and gain foundational experience in design management, client relations, and team coordination. The "Lead" title signifies responsibility for guiding peers and ensuring quality output. Reporting Structure:

• The Lead Graphic Designer reports directly to the Assistant Coordinator–Marketing (Creative Operations), a professional staff member. This provides a clear line of mentorship and supervision.

• The role also involves guiding and providing leadership to other graphic designers on the team, establishing a peer-leadership dynamic. Operations Impact:

• The design work directly impacts ASI's ability to effectively communicate its services, events, and initiatives to the student body and broader campus community. High-quality, on-brand graphics are crucial for engagement, event attendance, and promoting student involvement.

• The Lead's efforts in maintaining brand consistency and overseeing task completion directly contribute to the operational efficiency and professional image of ASI's marketing efforts. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Develop expertise in project management, client management, vendor relations, and team leadership within a creative operations context.

• Technical Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and potentially explore new design technologies like motion graphics. Training others also reinforces personal knowledge.

• Leadership Potential: This role serves as a stepping stone for students interested in future leadership positions within ASI or other organizations, by providing experience in guiding teams and managing responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for students, moving beyond pure design execution to include management, mentorship, and strategic brand application, which are valuable for future career paths in creative fields and operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is based at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA, within the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) facilities. This is an on-site position, likely within ASI's marketing or administrative offices.

• Workspace Context: The environment is expected to be collaborative, dynamic, and student-centric, typical of a university auxiliary organization. It will involve interaction with other student staff and professional supervisors.

Office Location(s):

• Cal Poly Campus, San Luis Obispo, CA. This means access to university resources and a vibrant campus community. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with other graphic designers, marketing staff, and potentially student leaders from various ASI departments.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and Mac computers is provided.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with colleagues for project collaboration, feedback sessions, and team meetings.

Work Schedule:

• Part-Time, requiring a minimum of two consecutive terms of availability.

• While specific hours aren't detailed, they will likely be scheduled within standard business hours and need to accommodate academic commitments while meeting the minimum work availability. The role involves managing daily/weekly task lists, implying a need for consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is crucial, facilitating direct collaboration and access to campus resources, which is a significant advantage for student development and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and any initial portfolio submissions will be screened for relevant skills and student enrollment status.

• Interview Stage 1 (Skills & Fit): Likely involves an interview with the Assistant Coordinator–Marketing to assess technical skills (Adobe Suite, typography), organizational abilities, communication style, and understanding of brand standards. This may include a brief design exercise or discussion of past projects.

• Interview Stage 2 (Leadership & Team Dynamics): May involve meeting with other team members or a brief presentation of a design concept or portfolio piece to gauge leadership potential and ability to articulate design choices.

• Final Evaluation: Focus on overall fit with ASI's values, ability to contribute to the team, and commitment to the role's responsibilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills (original artwork, typography, print/digital collateral).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Emphasize how you met the client's or project's objectives.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include at least one project that shows an understanding of brand guidelines, even if it's an academic exercise.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. High-quality mockups are beneficial.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with ASI's mission or the types of materials they produce (promotional, event-based, informational).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a short, timed design task that might involve creating a social media graphic, a flyer concept, or revising an existing design based on feedback. Focus on quick ideation and execution within brand constraints.

• Brand Application: Practice applying brand guidelines quickly and efficiently. Understand how to adapt a brand to different mediums.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach common design requests for a student organization – e.g., promoting an event, creating informational materials, designing merchandise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process will likely focus on assessing practical design application, understanding of brand consistency, and potential for leadership within a student team, rather than extensive professional experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design tasks. Proficiency expected in:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print materials like brochures, flyers, and publications.

• Mac Computers: The primary operating system environment for design work.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For administrative tasks, communication, and document creation (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function for this design role, understanding how designs perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement) might be an indirect consideration. Familiarity with basic web or social media analytics could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is standard for graphic design roles, with a strong emphasis on the Adobe Creative Suite and Mac OS. The mention of "learning new technology" suggests openness to exploring other tools as needed, particularly those that enhance efficiency or creative output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Development & Leadership: A core value of ASI. This role is designed to foster growth, provide learning opportunities, and encourage leadership among students.

• Efficiency & Productivity: The emphasis on task lists, scheduling, and providing leadership points to a value placed on efficient operations and timely project delivery.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The need to foster a "positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere" and work "well with others" highlights collaboration as a key operational value.

• Diversity & Inclusion: The requirement to work effectively with a diverse population and from various cultural backgrounds underscores a commitment to inclusive practices in all operations.

• Brand Consistency: Upholding ASI and Cal Poly brand guidelines is a critical operational value, ensuring a unified and professional image.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers will work with various internal clients, requiring clear communication and understanding of diverse needs.

• Peer-to-Peer Mentorship: The Lead designer is expected to guide and support other designers, fostering a culture of shared learning and mutual assistance.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where design concepts and drafts are reviewed and critiqued constructively to improve output and maintain quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design techniques, software tips, and best practices to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is deeply rooted in the university environment, emphasizing student growth, collaborative effort, and the practical application of skills in service of the student body and the organization's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Work Demands: As a student role, managing coursework, exams, and extracurriculars alongside design responsibilities will be a primary challenge. Effective time management is critical.

• Managing Peer Relationships: Leading other student designers requires strong interpersonal skills to motivate, delegate, and provide feedback without formal authority, fostering a positive team dynamic.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying both ASI and Cal Poly brand standards across diverse projects can be challenging, requiring meticulous attention to detail and understanding of brand strategy.

• Evolving Design Trends & Technology: Staying current with design trends and learning new software or techniques to maintain relevance and efficiency in a fast-paced creative field.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining practical experience in project management, client communication, vendor coordination, and team leadership within a professional setting.

• Technical Skill Deepening: Opportunities to master Adobe Creative Suite, potentially explore motion graphics, and learn about print production processes.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Receiving guidance from a professional supervisor and practicing leadership skills by mentoring peers, preparing for future roles.

• Industry Exposure: Working within a university organization provides exposure to the operational dynamics of non-profits and higher education, alongside creative marketing practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges present valuable learning opportunities. Overcoming them will build resilience, time management, and leadership skills, which are highly transferable to future academic and professional endeavors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach designing a promotional flyer for a major campus event with a tight deadline, ensuring it captures student interest while adhering to both ASI and Cal Poly brand guidelines?" (Focus on process, time management, brand application).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to work with a peer on a project where you had different ideas. How did you reach a consensus?" (Focus on teamwork, communication, problem-solving).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a client requests a design that conflicts with brand standards. How would you handle this situation?" (Focus on diplomacy, explaining guidelines, proposing alternatives).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Associated Students, Inc. and specifically in this graphic design role?" (Demonstrate research into ASI's mission and student impact).

• "How do you stay organized and manage your time, especially when balancing multiple projects and academic responsibilities?" (Highlight time management strategies).

• "What does 'brand consistency' mean to you, and why is it important for an organization like ASI?" (Show understanding of branding principles and their operational significance). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, briefly introduce the objective, your role, the process, and the outcome. Focus on why you made certain design choices.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any projects led to measurable results (e.g., increased event attendance, high engagement on social media), highlight them.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of work that demonstrates your ability to handle different types of design tasks (print, digital, branding).

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle feedback.

• Enthusiasm for ASI: Convey genuine interest in contributing to the Cal Poly student experience through your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design skills, understanding of brand management, effective time/project management, and a collaborative, student-centric mindset.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, personal website) showcasing 3-5 of your strongest design projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates original artwork, typography application, and experience with print/digital marketing materials, aligning with ASI's needs.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences, such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, project management capabilities, strong communication, and any leadership or teamwork examples. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and preparing answers to common interview questions about time management, collaboration, and brand adherence. Be ready to discuss how your skills can benefit ASI.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) at Cal Poly, its mission, services, and its relationship with the university. Understand their branding and the types of materials they produce to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.