OCSD Student Graphic Designer

Universities of Wisconsin
Full-timeStevens Point, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: OCSD Student Graphic Designer

Company: Universities of Wisconsin

Location: Stevens Point, WI, United States

Job Type: Part-Time Student Hourly

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing Operations Support

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Sophomore Standing or Higher)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is designed for current students seeking part-time, on-site experience in graphic design and student support within an educational institution.

  • The position focuses on creating visual assets and promotional materials to support student engagement and resource center initiatives, offering a foundational understanding of marketing operations within a university setting.

  • Responsibilities include designing flyers, social media graphics, and digital signage, requiring an understanding of branding standards and effective communication strategies.

  • The role also involves direct student interaction, front desk support, and maintaining office organization, providing a well-rounded administrative and operational experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily focused on graphic design, its integration within the Office for Culture and Student Development (OCSD) and the need to support programming, outreach, and student engagement initiatives position it as a valuable entry-level role within marketing operations support. The emphasis on branding, promotional materials, and collaboration with professional staff highlights its connection to operational marketing functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and produce a variety of promotional materials, including flyers, social media graphics, digital signage, banners, and presentation templates, to support the programming and initiatives of the Queer Resource Center (QRC), Native American Center (NAC), Multicultural Resource Center (MCRC), and the broader Office for Culture and Student Development (OCSD).

  • Collaborate closely with professional staff and fellow student employees to conceptualize and develop creative content that effectively supports outreach, retention, and student engagement efforts, ensuring alignment with operational goals.

  • Maintain and update diverse marketing platforms, encompassing social media channels, physical bulletin boards, campus newsletters, and other relevant campus advertisements, to ensure consistent brand messaging and timely information dissemination.

  • Adhere strictly to UWSP branding standards to ensure all created materials are consistent, professional, and accurately reflect the missions and identities of the respective resource centers and OCSD.

  • Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and meeting established deadlines to support event promotion timelines and ongoing operational communication needs.

  • Provide essential front desk support, acting as a welcoming point of contact for students and visitors, answering inquiries, and directing individuals to appropriate campus resources, thereby contributing to the operational efficiency of the OCSD.

  • Assist in maintaining the organization and cleanliness of the OCSD main office and shared workspaces, contributing to a functional and productive operational environment.

  • Promote the overarching goals, values, and initiatives of OCSD and UWSP through dedicated, collaborative, and student-centered work practices.

  • Attend weekly meetings with the OCSD Associate Director to provide updates on design projects, receive feedback, and align on operational priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a strong focus on marketing collateral creation and distribution, which are key components of marketing operations. The requirement to adhere to branding standards and support operational communication for events and initiatives reinforces this. Direct student interaction and administrative tasks suggest a support role within a larger operational framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Must be currently enrolled as a student at the Universities of Wisconsin.

  • Required: Sophomore standing or higher.

  • Required: Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Experience:

  • No prior professional experience is strictly required, but experience in roles involving mentorship, tutoring, or leadership is preferred.

  • Experience in planning events or facilitating group discussions/presentations is a plus. Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in graphic design principles and software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign; or comparable tools like Canva).

  • Ability to design compelling promotional materials, including flyers, social media graphics, and digital signage.

  • Strong written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with staff and students.

  • Familiarity with the UWSP campus, including academic resources, residential life, and campus activities.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain professionalism in a dynamic environment.

  • Capacity to address sensitive student concerns with professionalism, tact, and strict confidentiality.

  • Ability to foster an open, friendly, and engaging environment that supports and respects the diverse needs of students. Preferred Skills:

  • Prior experience in a mentor, tutor, or related leadership role.

  • Experience facilitating group discussions or presentations.

  • Experience in event planning.

  • Familiarity with managing social media platforms for organizational promotion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize foundational design skills and interpersonal abilities crucial for operations support roles within higher education. The preference for leadership and event planning experience suggests a desire for candidates who can contribute beyond basic design tasks, potentially taking on more responsibility in project execution and student engagement initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse design projects demonstrating proficiency in creating promotional materials (flyers, social media graphics, event banners).

  • Include examples that illustrate adherence to branding guidelines and target audience considerations.

  • Projects should highlight an understanding of visual hierarchy, typography, and color theory.

  • If possible, include pieces that demonstrate adaptation for different platforms (e.g., print vs. digital). Process Documentation:

  • While formal process documentation is not explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, from initial concept to final asset delivery.

  • Be ready to articulate how you would manage multiple design requests and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how design contributes to broader operational goals such as student engagement and program promotion.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level graphic design role supporting operations, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills. The emphasis is on the output (visual assets) and the candidate's ability to articulate their design process and time management skills, which are transferable to operations project management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $12.50 per hour.

Benefits:

  • Valuable part-time work experience within a university setting.

  • Opportunity to develop graphic design skills and build a professional portfolio.

  • Gain practical experience in marketing support, student engagement, and administrative functions.

  • Networking opportunities with professional staff and diverse student populations.

  • Contribution to campus community initiatives and resource center outreach.

  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments (5-8 hours per week).

Working Hours: 5 to 8 hours per week, with flexibility to align with academic schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly wage is typical for student positions in this region and experience level. While formal benefits are limited due to the student hourly nature, the experience gained is a significant component of the overall compensation package, especially for those building a career in creative or operational support roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University System).

Company Size: The Universities of Wisconsin is a large public university system comprising multiple campuses, with UW-Stevens Point being a significant institution. This size offers stability and a broad range of resources.

Founded: The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point traces its roots back to 1894, signifying a long-standing commitment to education and community.

Team Structure:

  • This role is part of the Office for Culture and Student Development (OCSD), which oversees several key resource centers: Queer Resource Center (QRC), Multicultural Resource Center (MCRC), and the Native American Center (NAC).

  • The student graphic designer will report to the OCSD Associate Director, working alongside other professional staff and potentially other student employees.

  • Collaboration is expected with professional staff and student employees across these centers to develop creative content and support programming. Methodology:

  • The OCSD focuses on student-centered work, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a supportive environment for diverse student needs.

  • Design work is expected to align with the missions and identities of the resource centers, supporting outreach, retention, and student engagement efforts.

  • Emphasis on collaboration and communication to achieve departmental goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is academic and community-focused, with a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and student support. For operations professionals, understanding this context is key to creating effective communication materials that resonate with the student body and align with institutional values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level student position, best suited for individuals beginning their professional development in graphic design, marketing support, or student affairs. It provides foundational skills and exposure to operational functions within a university.

Reporting Structure: The student Graphic Designer reports directly to the OCSD Associate Director, providing a clear line of supervision and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts student engagement and awareness of campus resources by creating visually appealing and informative promotional materials. Effective design contributes to the operational success of OCSD programs and events by driving attendance and participation.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Develop a robust portfolio of design work for future career applications.

  • Enhance skills in communication, time management, and professional collaboration within a university setting.

  • Gain practical experience in adhering to branding standards and supporting organizational missions.

  • Potential for increased responsibility or specialized design projects based on performance and initiative.

  • Exposure to various student support services and the operational aspects of their programming.

📝 Enhancement Note: While direct career pathing within this specific role is limited due to its student nature, the skills and portfolio developed are highly transferable to entry-level marketing, communications, or operations support roles in various industries. The experience provides a practical foundation in operational communication and marketing support.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, likely within the OCSD office space.

Office Location(s): Stevens Point, WI. Specific office location within the campus will be within the Student Services Center.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace will likely be collaborative, involving interaction with professional staff and fellow student employees within the OCSD.

  • Access to design software and potentially shared office resources will be provided.

  • The environment is expected to be student-focused, inclusive, and supportive.

  • Opportunities to interact with students seeking services from the resource centers.

Work Schedule: Part-time, 5-8 hours per week, with a flexible schedule designed to accommodate academic commitments. This requires strong self-management to balance work and studies effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement necessitates a candidate who can work within a structured university environment. The collaborative nature of the workspace and the student-focused mission are key aspects for candidates to consider.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Application Review: Focus on academic standing, student status (Sophomore+), and relevant skills mentioned in the resume.

  • Portfolio Submission: Candidates will likely be required to submit a portfolio showcasing their graphic design work. This is a critical component.

  • Interview: Expect an interview with the OCSD Associate Director. This will assess communication skills, understanding of the role's responsibilities, cultural fit with OCSD values, and ability to work with diverse student populations. Behavioral questions about time management, problem-solving, and handling sensitive information are probable.

  • Campus Familiarity: Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of UWSP campus resources and activities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Wisely: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant design projects that demonstrate versatility and proficiency.

  • Showcase Process: Be ready to briefly explain your design process for key projects – from concept to execution, including any challenges overcome.

  • Highlight Impact: If possible, show how your designs contributed to project success (e.g., increased event attendance, engagement on social media).

  • Adherence to Standards: Ensure your portfolio reflects an understanding of branding consistency, even if hypothetical.

  • Digital Format: Prepare your portfolio in a professional digital format (PDF or a clean website link) that is easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

  • While a formal design challenge might not be part of this specific student role, be prepared for a scenario-based question during the interview related to creating promotional material for a hypothetical OCSD event or initiative.

  • Think about how you would approach designing for diverse audiences and specific resource centers (QRC, NAC, MCRC).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design choices and how their work aligns with the OCSD's mission and operational goals of student engagement and resource promotion.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Graphic Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign is highly preferred. Familiarity with user-friendly alternatives like Canva may also be acceptable or beneficial, especially for rapid content creation.

  • Productivity Software: Standard office suite applications for communication and basic document creation (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite - Word, PowerPoint; or Google Workspace - Docs, Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Social Media Analytics: Basic understanding of how to interpret engagement metrics for social media graphics (likes, shares, comments) to inform future designs, though direct analysis is not a primary responsibility.

CRM & Automation:

  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with updating content on university websites or internal platforms may be beneficial.

  • Email Marketing Platforms: Experience with platforms like Mailchimp or similar for newsletter design, while not explicitly required, would be a plus for broader marketing support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is graphic design software proficiency. While not explicitly stated, familiarity with tools that support content distribution and basic performance tracking would enhance a candidate's suitability for marketing operations support functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Student-Centered: All work, including design, should prioritize the needs and well-being of students.

  • Inclusivity & Diversity: Designs must be welcoming and representative of the diverse student body served by OCSD resource centers.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively with professional staff and peers is essential for project success and a positive team environment.

  • Professionalism & Confidentiality: Maintaining high standards in work quality, time management, and discretion when handling sensitive student information.

  • Efficiency: Creating timely and effective promotional materials that support operational goals and resource center outreach.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Students will work with various staff members and potentially other student organizations to align design efforts with broader campus initiatives.

  • Feedback & Iteration: Expect to receive constructive feedback on designs and be willing to iterate to meet project requirements.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Contribute ideas and share design insights within the OCSD team to foster a creative and supportive atmosphere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to student success. Candidates who can demonstrate these values in their work and interactions will be a strong fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing design requests from different resource centers with competing priorities and deadlines requires strong organizational skills.

  • Adhering to Strict Branding: Consistently applying UWSP branding standards while also reflecting the unique identity of each resource center can be a creative challenge.

  • Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Communicating design concepts and incorporating feedback from various staff members with different perspectives.

  • Translating OCSD Missions into Visuals: Effectively capturing the essence and values of the QRC, NAC, and MCRC in visual communications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Portfolio Enhancement: Directly build a professional graphic design portfolio with real-world projects.

  • Technical Skill Development: Refine proficiency in graphic design software and learn new design techniques.

  • Operational Exposure: Gain insight into how marketing and communication support the operational functions of student services departments.

  • Soft Skills Development: Improve communication, time management, collaboration, and professionalism in a university setting.

  • Understanding of Higher Education Operations: Learn about the structure and operational needs of university departments and student resource centers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant practical experience for individuals interested in design or marketing support. The challenges are framed as opportunities for skill development, particularly in project management and stakeholder communication, which are critical in operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for creating a flyer for a campus event, from receiving the request to delivering the final design." (Focus on workflow, stakeholder communication, and efficiency.)

  • "How would you ensure your designs are inclusive and representative of the diverse student body at UWSP?" (Emphasize understanding of OCSD values and audience awareness.)

  • "Imagine you have three design requests due at the same time from different resource centers. How would you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Highlight time management, organization, and communication strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working with the Office for Culture and Student Development and its resource centers?" (Show genuine interest in the mission and student support.)

  • "How do you approach working collaboratively with a team, especially when receiving feedback on your creative work?" (Demonstrate teamwork and receptiveness to constructive criticism.)

  • "Can you describe your familiarity with UWSP's campus and its resources?" (Show you've done your research and understand the context.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Be Concise and Focused: Walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining the objective, your design choices, and the outcome (if known).

  • Highlight Problem-Solving: Discuss any creative challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

  • Connect to the Role: Explain how your skills and portfolio projects align with the responsibilities of the OCSD Student Graphic Designer.

  • Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, design preferences, and ability to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design skills, an understanding of the OCSD's mission, and strong interpersonal and organizational abilities. The portfolio is paramount and should be presented confidently, showcasing both creative talent and an awareness of operational needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided Workday link. As a current student, ensure you are logged into Workday to apply via the internal process.

  • Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio showcasing your best graphic design work, specifically highlighting flyers, social media graphics, and any promotional materials relevant to student programming or campus life. Tailor your selection to demonstrate versatility and adherence to branding principles.

  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your academic standing, relevant design skills (software proficiency), communication abilities, and any leadership or collaborative experiences. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your approach to managing multiple projects, and your understanding of the OCSD's mission. Prepare to present your portfolio and answer behavioral questions related to teamwork and problem-solving.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with UWSP, the Office for Culture and Student Development, and the specific resource centers (QRC, NAC, MCRC). Understand their goals and how graphic design supports their operational objectives of student engagement and outreach.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Applicants must be a sophomore or higher in good academic standing with strong communication skills. Ability to work independently and respect diverse student needs is required.