MKTG303: Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: MKTG303: Graphic Designer

Company: JerseySTEM, Inc.

Location: Remote (United States)

Job Type: Volunteer / Pro-bono

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: August 22, 2026

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

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design compelling graphic and visual content to support JerseySTEM's mission of improving STEM education access for underserved middle school girls.

• Prepare rough artwork layouts for presentation and approval, demonstrating a strong understanding of visual communication principles.

• Utilize proficiency in industry-standard design software, specifically Photoshop and Illustrator, to create marketing collateral.

• Collaborate effectively within a remote team environment, contributing to a shared goal of enhancing STEM pathways.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a pro-bono volunteer position, requiring a commitment of approximately 5-10 flexible hours per week. It is ideal for individuals seeking to apply their design skills to a meaningful cause in STEM education and gain practical experience in marketing collateral development within a non-profit setting. The "MKTG303" designation suggests it's part of a structured program or course, potentially for students or individuals looking to build a portfolio.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative design concepts for a variety of marketing materials, including digital assets, social media graphics, and potentially print collateral.

• Translate project briefs and strategic objectives into visually engaging designs that align with JerseySTEM's brand identity and communication goals.

• Manage the design process from initial concept and sketching through to final production, ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards and deadlines.

• Iterate on designs based on feedback from stakeholders, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to achieving the best visual outcome.

• Maintain a well-organized digital asset library and ensure proper file management for all created graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities focus on graphic design, the context of a non-profit and STEM education implies a need for designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also informative, accessible, and inspiring to a target audience of students, educators, and potential donors. The emphasis on "rough layouts" suggests a collaborative approval process, common in volunteer or early-stage organizational roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is highly beneficial. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education in this volunteer capacity.

Experience: Past experience in Graphic Design is required. This can include academic projects, internships, personal projects, or previous volunteer roles. Demonstrated ability to create visual content and marketing collateral is key.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Strong foundational knowledge of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout.

• Software Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for creating and editing graphics.

• Visual Content Creation: Ability to generate compelling visual assets for various platforms.

• Marketing Collateral Development: Experience in designing materials for promotional or informational purposes.

• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication, essential for remote collaboration and feedback.

• Tech Savvy: High level of comfort and proficiency with digital platforms and remote work tools.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively with other team members towards shared objectives.

• Layout Design: Skill in preparing effective rough layouts for review and approval.

• Commitment & Reliability: Dependability and a strong commitment to fulfilling assigned tasks and meeting expectations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design software (e.g., InDesign, Canva).

• Familiarity with social media content creation best practices.

• Basic understanding of marketing principles and campaign objectives.

• Experience working in a remote or volunteer capacity.

• Passion for STEM education and/or youth development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "extremely tech-savvy" requirement suggests that candidates should be comfortable with various digital tools and platforms beyond just design software, likely including project management, communication, and file-sharing tools common in remote work environments. The "dependency and commitment" points strongly to the need for reliable individuals who can manage their time effectively in a volunteer setting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Content Showcase: A curated collection of design projects demonstrating a range of skills, including digital graphics, marketing collateral, and layout design.

• Software Application: Projects that clearly utilize Photoshop and Illustrator, showcasing technical proficiency.

• Process Improvement Examples (if applicable): While not explicitly stated, any examples of how design improved a process or outcome for a previous project would be highly valuable.

• Brand Alignment: Designs that demonstrate an ability to understand and adhere to brand guidelines or adapt to different visual styles.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Visualization: Candidates may be asked to describe their typical design workflow, from brief to final delivery, highlighting how they manage feedback and revisions.

• Tool Integration: An understanding of how design tools integrate with other digital platforms for asset delivery or campaign execution.

• Performance Metrics (if applicable): If any past design work has been tied to measurable outcomes (e.g., engagement rates), documenting these would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical. Given the volunteer nature and potential for this to be a learning opportunity, the portfolio should highlight creativity, technical skill in Photoshop/Illustrator, and an understanding of design for marketing purposes. It's less about ROI and more about demonstrating capability and potential impact for a non-profit.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: This is a pro-bono volunteer position and therefore unpaid.

Benefits:

• Meaningful Impact: Opportunity to contribute to a vital mission focused on STEM education access and gender equity for underserved youth.

• Skill Development: Enhance graphic design skills, particularly in Photoshop and Illustrator, and gain experience in marketing collateral creation.

• Portfolio Building: Develop a robust portfolio with real-world projects for a non-profit organization.

• Networking: Connect with other professionals and passionate individuals within the STEM education and non-profit sectors.

• Flexible Schedule: Approximately six flexible hours per week, allowing for work-life balance.

• Remote Work: Fully remote position, offering flexibility in location.

• Refundable Deposit: A $100 refundable deposit is required for most members, returned after six months of active membership. Educators, retirees, veterans, interns, and students are exempt from this deposit.

Working Hours: A minimum commitment of approximately six flexible hours per week is expected, with a preferred commitment of 5-10 hours per week. The schedule is flexible, allowing volunteers to manage their time effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary "compensation" is the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, gain experience, and build a portfolio. The refundable deposit is a unique aspect of JerseySTEM membership and should be clearly understood by applicants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Education / STEM Advocacy. JerseySTEM operates within the critical space of improving STEM education access, focusing specifically on gender equity for middle school girls in New Jersey. This industry context means a mission-driven culture focused on social impact.

Company Size: JerseySTEM appears to be a lean, mission-driven organization, likely relying heavily on its network of pro-bono contributors and volunteers to achieve its goals. This implies a collaborative and agile environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the organization's focus on improving STEM education pathways suggests it has been active in addressing this need for some time, likely evolving its programs and network over the years.

Team Structure:

• Volunteer-Centric: The organization is built around a network of pro-bono contributors who bring diverse professional skills.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Graphic designers will likely collaborate with program coordinators, marketing leads, and potentially other volunteers involved in curriculum development or outreach.

• Remote Operations: Given the remote nature of this role, communication and collaboration will primarily occur through digital channels.

Methodology:

• Project-Based: Work is likely structured around specific projects and campaigns designed to support STEM education initiatives.

• Collaborative Design: The process involves preparing layouts for approval, indicating a feedback loop and collaborative decision-making.

• Mission-Driven Execution: All activities are geared towards advancing the organization's goals of STEM equity and access.

Company Website: https://jerseystem.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely passionate, dedicated, and focused on making a tangible difference. Volunteers are expected to be self-starters, proactive in their communication, and aligned with the organization's mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level or early-career stage within the broader context of marketing and operations. It's an excellent opportunity for individuals with 0-2 years of experience or students looking to gain practical, hands-on experience.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Program Coordinator, or a designated volunteer lead responsible for communications and outreach. The reporting structure will be clear but may be less formal than in a traditional corporate setting.

Operations Impact: While this is a creative role, its impact is tied to the organization's operational success. Effective graphic design enhances brand visibility, improves communication clarity, and supports fundraising and outreach efforts, all of which are critical for JerseySTEM's operational effectiveness and mission achievement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Portfolio Enhancement: The primary growth opportunity is the development of a professional portfolio with tangible work samples, crucial for future career prospects in design.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in Photoshop and Illustrator, and potentially explore new design software or techniques.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain insight into non-profit operations, marketing strategies, and STEM education initiatives.

• Networking: Build connections within the non-profit and STEM sectors, which can lead to future opportunities.

• Leadership Potential: Demonstrated commitment and skill could lead to opportunities for leading design projects or mentoring future volunteers.

📝 Enhancement Note: For individuals early in their design careers, this volunteer role offers a low-risk environment to build a professional portfolio, gain experience with real-world projects, and contribute to a cause they care about. The "MKTG303" designation suggests it might be part of an academic or structured development program, further enhancing its growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, meaning there is no physical office requirement. Work is conducted from the volunteer's own location.

Office Location(s): Remote (United States). Volunteers are expected to be located within the United States to align with the organization's operational context and potential legal/compliance considerations.

Workspace Context:

• Independent Work: Volunteers will primarily work independently, managing their own time and workspace.

• Digital Collaboration: Interaction with team members will occur through digital communication tools (e.g., email, Slack, video conferencing).

• Tool Accessibility: Volunteers will need reliable internet access and their own computer capable of running design software like Photoshop and Illustrator.

Work Schedule: The schedule is flexible, with a commitment of 5-10 hours per week. This allows volunteers to integrate their work with existing commitments, such as studies or other employment. Deadlines will be communicated for specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires strong self-discipline and proactive communication. Volunteers should be comfortable setting up their own effective home office environment and managing distractions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit application through the provided link, including any requested information.

• Portfolio Review: A key step will be the submission and review of a graphic design portfolio. This is where candidates showcase their skills and experience.

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a brief discussion or a small design task to assess proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and understanding of design principles.

• Cultural Fit/Mission Alignment: A conversation to gauge passion for kids, education, graphic design, and commitment to JerseySTEM's mission.

• Commitment Confirmation: Discussion to confirm understanding of the volunteer commitment (hours per week, duration).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Aim for quality over quantity.

• Highlight Key Software: Ensure projects clearly demonstrate your proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Showcase Variety: Include examples of different types of collateral (e.g., social media graphics, simple flyers, web banners).

• Provide Context: Briefly explain the project's objective, your role, and the tools used for each piece.

• Demonstrate Process: If possible, include a "work-in-progress" or "sketch" phase to show your design thinking.

• Tailor to Non-Profit: If you have experience designing for non-profits or educational organizations, highlight that.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Task: Be prepared for a potential small design challenge related to creating a graphic for a specific JerseySTEM initiative or event.

• Conceptualization: Practice thinking about how to visually represent the mission of STEM education for middle school girls.

• Tool Proficiency: Ensure you can quickly and efficiently use Photoshop and Illustrator for common design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should treat its preparation and presentation as a critical component of their application, demonstrating their ability to translate abstract concepts into compelling visual narratives relevant to JerseySTEM's mission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for raster image editing, photo manipulation, and digital art creation.

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and scalable designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on social media graphics) is beneficial. Awareness of basic analytics platforms (e.g., social media insights) could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Digital Platforms Proficiency: General comfort with various online platforms for communication, file sharing, and potentially content management systems.

• Communication Tools: Familiarity with tools like email, Slack, Zoom, or similar for remote team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is non-negotiable. The "extremely tech-savvy" requirement implies a broader digital literacy, including comfort with cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for file sharing and collaborative platforms for communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Oriented: A strong dedication to improving STEM education access and equity for underserved youth.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and mutual support among volunteers to achieve organizational goals.

• Excellence: Commitment to high-quality work and meeting expectations, even in a volunteer capacity.

• Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for kids, education, and the field of graphic design.

• Proactivity: Self-starters who take initiative and are reliable in their contributions.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote & Digital: Primarily conducted through digital channels, requiring clear and concise communication.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design processes.

• Supportive: A culture where volunteers help each other and contribute to a positive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Volunteers are expected to embody the organization's mission and contribute positively to the team dynamic. A proactive and communicative approach is key for successful remote collaboration within JerseySTEM.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Collaboration Management: Effectively communicating and collaborating with a remote team requires discipline and clear strategies.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing design tasks for different initiatives or campaigns simultaneously while adhering to deadlines.

• Translating Mission into Visuals: Developing designs that effectively communicate the complex mission of STEM equity to diverse audiences.

• Non-Profit Resource Constraints: Working within the typical resource limitations of a non-profit, requiring creativity and efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Experience: Gain hands-on experience creating a diverse range of marketing materials.

• Portfolio Development: Build a professional portfolio that showcases skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and marketing collateral design.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the operations and marketing needs of a non-profit organization in the education sector.

• Networking: Connect with professionals in STEM, education, and marketing fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to volunteer roles and remote work, but they also present significant growth opportunities for skill development and professional maturity.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience with graphic design, particularly using Photoshop and Illustrator. Can you walk us through a project you're proud of?" (Focus on demonstrating technical skills and design process.)

• "How do you approach creating visual content for a specific target audience, like middle school girls interested in STEM?" (Assess understanding of audience-specific design.)

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of graphic design in supporting the mission of a non-profit organization like JerseySTEM?" (Gauge alignment with mission and understanding of design's role.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about JerseySTEM's mission and our work in STEM education?" (Evaluate passion and alignment with values.)

• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working remotely and on a flexible schedule?" (Assess self-management and reliability.)

• "Are you comfortable working collaboratively with a team remotely, and how do you typically handle feedback on your creative work?" (Determine collaboration style and adaptability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, briefly tell the story: what was the goal, who was the audience, what was your role, what tools did you use, and what was the outcome (if known)?

• Highlight Software Use: Explicitly mention when Photoshop or Illustrator was used and for what purpose within the project.

• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects that showcase skills directly applicable to creating marketing collateral and visual content.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you overcame them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely focus on assessing your technical design skills (via portfolio), your understanding of the organization's mission, and your ability to work effectively as a remote volunteer.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the JerseySTEM volunteers portal.

• Curate and prepare your design portfolio: Select your strongest 3-5 projects that showcase proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator, and ideally, experience with marketing collateral or visual content creation. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., PDF, personal website, Behance).

• Tailor your resume/application: Highlight relevant graphic design experience, software proficiency (Photoshop, Illustrator), communication skills, and any passion for education or STEM. Emphasize your tech-savviness and reliability.

• Research JerseySTEM: Familiarize yourself with their mission, programs, and target audience to articulate your understanding and enthusiasm during any interview stages.

• Prepare to discuss your portfolio: Be ready to walk through selected projects, explaining your design process, tools used, and the impact of your work.

⚠️ 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.