Part-time Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-time Graphic Designer

Company: Blackhawk Technical College

Location: Janesville, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the creation and execution of visual assets for marketing and communications initiatives, crucial for maintaining brand consistency and supporting strategic college goals.

• The position requires a blend of creative design skills and operational efficiency in managing projects from conception to completion.

• Collaboration with internal stakeholders across various departments is key to understanding and translating their needs into effective visual collateral.

• Responsibilities include managing digital and print production workflows, ensuring adherence to brand standards, and contributing to the overall image and reputation of Blackhawk Technical College.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes "marketing print and digital collateral," "College mission, vision and strategic plan," and "enhances the image, brand and reputation," indicating a strong operational component within a marketing context. This role is less about pure artistic expression and more about executing a brand strategy through design, aligning with operations principles of efficiency and standardized output. The "part-time" nature suggests a need for efficient workflow management and clear prioritization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce marketing print and digital collateral that aligns with Blackhawk Technical College's mission, vision, and strategic plan.

• Ensure all created marketing materials consistently adhere to established College image and brand standards, maintaining a cohesive visual identity across all platforms.

• Collaborate with diverse departments and stakeholders to understand their specific marketing needs and translate them into effective, targeted design solutions.

• Manage and track project workflows using a department project management tool, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines for both internal and external communications.

• Prepare and optimize files for print production by collaborating with the print center, ensuring quality and efficiency in the printing process.

• Coordinate with campus departments to manage and update digital and static signage displays, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.

• Organize and maintain a comprehensive electronic library of design projects, image resources, and brand assets for easy access and future use.

• Conduct photography of College campuses, faculty, and staff as required for marketing and communication materials.

• Continuously research and implement industry best practices in graphic design and marketing collateral creation, making recommendations for process improvements.

• Provide backup support to other members of the Marketing and Communications team, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to team objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a structured approach to design execution, including project management, workflow tracking, and file preparation for print, which are core operational functions within a creative department. The emphasis on "continuous improvement" and "best practices" further reinforces the operational aspect of optimizing design processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate Degree in Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of two years of related Graphic Design experience, with demonstrated ability in creating marketing collateral.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software: Adobe Creative Suite/Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat).

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and PowerPoint for integrated collateral.

• Expertise in creative page layout design for both print and digital/web marketing materials.

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities effectively, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.

• Experience in digital photography, with a good understanding of composition and image quality for marketing use.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders and departments.

• Familiarity with Mac and PC platforms, ensuring adaptability across different operating systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with font utility programs for advanced typography management.

• Basic animation or video editing skills to enhance digital marketing collateral.

• Familiarity with project management tools for workflow tracking and deadline management.

• Experience in digital marketing principles and how design contributes to campaign success.

• Knowledge of print production processes and file preparation for commercial printing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software suites (Adobe, Microsoft Office) and platforms (Mac/PC) points to a need for candidates who can immediately contribute without extensive onboarding, a common requirement in operations-focused roles where efficiency is paramount. The inclusion of "project management tool" and "track all projects" directly points to operational process adherence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects showcasing a strong understanding of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy in both print and digital formats.

• Demonstrations of ability to create cohesive marketing collateral that adheres to established brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

• Case studies or examples of projects that highlight problem-solving through design, illustrating how visual solutions met specific marketing goals or addressed departmental needs.

• Evidence of experience in preparing artwork for print production, including file setup, color management, and collaboration with print vendors.

Process Documentation:

• The ability to articulate the design process undertaken for specific projects, from initial brief to final delivery, is crucial.

• Candidates should be prepared to explain how they manage workflow, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines, particularly in a part-time capacity.

• Documentation or clear verbal explanation of how brand standards were applied and maintained throughout project lifecycles.

• Examples of collaboration with stakeholders and how feedback was incorporated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-oriented role, the portfolio should not just showcase final designs but also the process behind them. This includes workflow management, adherence to briefs and brand guides, and preparation for production. Highlighting efficiency and clear communication in the portfolio is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $21.85 - $27.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• As a part-time contractor position, benefits typically depend on the contract terms. Standard contractor benefits might include:

• Flexible work schedule, allowing for better work-life integration.

• Opportunity to contribute to a recognized educational institution and gain experience in higher education marketing.

• Potential for extended contract based on performance and college needs.

• Access to college resources and a professional working environment.

Working Hours: This is a part-time role. While specific hours are not defined, it is understood to require dedicated work time to meet project demands, likely involving flexible scheduling but requiring consistent availability for collaboration and project completion. The role is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as $21.85 - $27.00 per hour, which is within the typical range for skilled graphic designers with an Associate's degree and 2-5 years of experience in a medium-cost-of-living area like Janesville, WI. As a contractor role, comprehensive benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are generally not included, which is a common trade-off for flexibility and potentially higher hourly rates compared to full-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education. Blackhawk Technical College serves a critical role in workforce development, providing technical education and career training to meet regional economic needs. This context means the design work will often support educational programs, student recruitment, and community outreach.

Company Size: Blackhawk Technical College is a public community college, typically employing a significant number of faculty and staff, suggesting a structured organizational environment with established departments and communication channels.

Founded: Blackhawk Technical College was founded in 1967, indicating a long-standing presence and established operational history within the community.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing and Communications team, which is a common structure in educational institutions to centralize branding, outreach, and promotional efforts.

• This team likely includes roles such as Marketing Director, Communications Specialists, and potentially Web Developers or Social Media Managers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the design output will be expected to support college objectives, meaning an understanding of target audiences and campaign goals is important.

• Workflow Optimization: As a part-time role with project management tools mentioned, there's an expectation of efficient workflow, clear task prioritization, and timely delivery.

• Brand Consistency: A primary methodology will be strict adherence to the college's brand guidelines to ensure a unified and professional institutional image.

Company Website: http://www.blackhawk.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the educational context is vital. Design requests will likely be mission-driven, focusing on student success, program enrollment, and community engagement rather than purely commercial sales. The "part-time" nature implies a need for self-sufficiency and clear communication on capacity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a specialized contributor, likely at an intermediate level within the design function. It requires technical proficiency and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks, contributing to the broader marketing operations of the college.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Marketing and Communications department, likely the Director of Marketing or a similar leadership role. This structure ensures alignment with departmental goals and provides oversight.

Operations Impact: The visual collateral created directly impacts the college's external perception, student recruitment efforts, and internal communications. Effective design enhances brand recognition, communicates program value, and supports strategic initiatives, thus having a tangible operational impact on enrollment and institutional reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: The role offers opportunities to expand proficiency in various Adobe Creative Suite applications and potentially dabble in animation or video editing if those are incorporated into future projects.

• Project Diversity: Working with multiple departments provides exposure to a wide range of design needs, from academic program promotion to campus events and internal communications, broadening the designer's portfolio.

• Contract Extension/Future Roles: Strong performance in this part-time contract role could lead to contract extensions or consideration for future full-time or project-based opportunities within Blackhawk Technical College or other educational institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a "part-time contractor" role, growth here is viewed through skill acquisition, portfolio enhancement, and the potential for continued engagement. It's less about traditional hierarchical advancement and more about deepening expertise and demonstrating value through consistent, high-quality output and efficient operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role requires physical presence at the Janesville campus. This would likely be within a shared office space or a dedicated area within the Marketing and Communications department.

Office Location(s): 6004 S County Rd G, Janesville, WI 53546. This location is the main campus of Blackhawk Technical College.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office technology, including a computer (Mac or PC) capable of running Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially access to a dedicated photography studio or equipment.

• Collaboration will be a key aspect, with opportunities to interact with fellow Marketing and Communications team members and meet with stakeholders from various college departments.

• The environment is expected to be professional and focused, supporting the college's educational mission.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time role, meaning the specific number of hours per week will be defined by the contract. However, the on-site requirement means the designer will need to be available during standard business hours or agreed-upon working blocks to facilitate collaboration and meet project demands. The "first review date" suggests ongoing recruitment until a suitable candidate is found.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is significant for a part-time role, implying a need for direct collaboration and access to campus-specific resources (like photography or printing services). The flexible nature of part-time work should be balanced with the understanding of on-site availability requirements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Submission: Candidates will submit their resume and a portfolio showcasing relevant graphic design work. The portfolio is critical for demonstrating technical skills and creative problem-solving.

• Screening: Applications will be reviewed, with a first review date of

May 18, 2026, indicating an initial assessment period.

• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will likely undergo one or more interview rounds. This may include:

  • A discussion with the hiring manager (e.g., Director of Marketing) to assess experience, approach to design challenges, and fit with the team.
  • Potential technical assessment or portfolio review session where candidates discuss their process and justify design choices.
  • Interactions with potential collaborators from other departments to gauge communication and teamwork skills.

• Final Selection: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, portfolio, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your ability to create marketing collateral, adhere to brand guidelines, and solve design problems for an organization. Include both print and digital examples.

• Showcase Process: For 1-2 key projects, be prepared to walk through your design process: understanding the brief, initial concepts, stakeholder feedback incorporation, revisions, and final output preparation (especially for print).

• Highlight Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on how your designs contributed to campaign success, student recruitment, or brand awareness.

• Tailor to Education: If you have experience designing for educational institutions or similar non-profit/public sector organizations, highlight this.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your digital portfolio is easily accessible, well-organized, and displays high-quality images of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you manage deadlines and prioritize tasks, especially in a part-time capacity.

• Think about how you would approach designing collateral for specific college initiatives (e.g., a new program launch, a student recruitment campaign) and articulate your thought process.

• Understand the college's mission and values to demonstrate cultural alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Given it's a contractor position, the review will heavily focus on demonstrated ability and suitability to hit the ground running. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process and how it aligns with operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite/Creative Cloud: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat are explicitly required. Proficiency is expected to be advanced.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word and PowerPoint are necessary for integrated collateral and potentially for creating presentation decks or reports.

• Mac and PC Platforms: The ability to work seamlessly on both operating systems is a requirement.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this design role, but awareness of how marketing collateral integrates with CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., email campaigns) would be a plus for understanding the broader marketing operations context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of the technology stack is the Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate mastery of these tools. Familiarity with print production software and file preparation is also a key operational requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency and Productivity: As a part-time contractor, demonstrating the ability to produce high-quality work within allocated time is essential.

• Collaboration and Communication: Working effectively with diverse stakeholders across campus requires strong interpersonal skills and clear, proactive communication.

• Brand Stewardship: A commitment to maintaining and upholding the college's brand identity and visual standards is paramount.

• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to new project needs, and creatively solve design challenges is valued.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to stay updated on design trends and best practices, and to suggest improvements to design processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Working closely with marketing managers and departmental requestors to understand needs and deliver effective solutions.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to receiving and incorporating constructive criticism to refine designs and ensure project success.

• Proactive Engagement: Taking initiative to seek clarification, manage expectations, and communicate project status updates regularly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes professionalism, efficiency, and strong collaboration within a structured educational environment. The values reflect a need for designers who can operate effectively with some autonomy while remaining integrated with the team and college mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing diverse design requests from various departments with competing deadlines in a part-time capacity.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that all collateral, regardless of department or purpose, adheres strictly to established brand guidelines.

• Translating Needs: Accurately interpreting the requirements of stakeholders who may not have a strong design background.

• Technical Skill Evolution: Keeping up-to-date with the latest versions of design software and emerging digital design trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Expanded Portfolio: Gaining experience with a wide array of design projects within the higher education sector.

• Software Proficiency: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and potentially exploring new creative tools.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding the unique marketing and communication needs of an educational institution.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to the optimization of design workflows and project management within the Marketing and Communications team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is operational: maximizing output and impact within a part-time, contractor framework while maintaining high standards. Growth is tied to mastering these operational aspects and expanding the designer's creative toolkit.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial brief to final delivery, especially when managing multiple requests." (Focus on workflow, prioritization, and communication).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different types of marketing collateral for an organization?" (Highlight adherence to brand guides, attention to detail).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for an educational institution like Blackhawk Technical College?" (Research the college's mission, programs, and community impact).

• "How do you stay current with graphic design trends and software updates?" (Show initiative and commitment to professional development).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (print, digital, branding) or by showcasing your strongest case studies first.

• Tell the Story: For each featured project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative process, and the outcome.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, particularly your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite.

• Showcase Operational Awareness: Emphasize how you managed deadlines, collaborated with stakeholders, and prepared files for production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent, but also the operational discipline required to function effectively as a part-time contractor within a larger organization. Highlighting efficiency, communication, and process management is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this part-time Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on careers-blackhawk.icims.com.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that best showcase your ability to create marketing collateral for print and digital platforms. Ensure these projects demonstrate adherence to brand standards and problem-solving.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, graphic design, digital marketing, and any project management tools. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X materials for Y campaign").

• Prepare for Portfolio Review: Practice walking through your selected portfolio pieces, focusing on your design process, stakeholder collaboration, and how you managed project workflows and deadlines. Be ready to discuss your experience with print production file preparation.

• Research Blackhawk Technical College: Understand the college's mission, programs, and target audiences to better articulate how your design skills can support their strategic goals and enhance their brand image.

⚠️ 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.

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