Part-Time Graphic Designer, CAHSS Marketing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Graphic Designer, CAHSS Marketing

Company: University of Denver

Location: Denver, CO

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing and executing visual communication strategies within the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) marketing team.

• Focuses on creating a wide array of print and digital design assets to support departmental initiatives, events, and recruitment efforts.

• Requires meticulous adherence to the University of Denver's brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and professional representation across all CAHSS communications.

• Involves managing multiple design projects simultaneously under the guidance of the Director of Marketing, necessitating strong organizational and time management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the context of supporting marketing initiatives, adhering to brand standards, and managing project deliverables positions this role within the broader operational framework of marketing and creative services, often overlapping with Marketing Operations functions. The remote-only nature and part-time, non-benefited status are key differentiators.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of print and digital materials, including event collateral (invitations, signage, programs), digital assets (social media graphics, email headers, web graphics), and marketing/recruitment materials (brochures, flyers).

• Create and maintain branded templates for recurring departmental needs such as newsletter headers, presentation decks, and report covers to ensure brand consistency.

• Uphold and enforce University of Denver and CAHSS brand standards, focusing on typography, color palettes, logo usage, and accessibility guidelines in all design outputs.

• Interpret project briefs from the CAHSS Marketing Team, proactively seeking clarification to ensure accurate and high-quality execution of design requests.

• Manage a pipeline of multiple concurrent design projects, effectively prioritizing tasks, estimating timelines, and communicating capacity and potential delays.

• Prepare and package final design files for both digital distribution and professional print production, ensuring correct resolution, color profiles, and bleed specifications for optimal output.

• Incorporate feedback from marketing team members and departmental stakeholders constructively, making revisions efficiently to meet project objectives.

• Maintain organized file management systems and implement version control for all design projects, ensuring easy retrieval and archival.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design workflows, develop new templates, and enhance existing brand asset libraries for greater efficiency and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for process-oriented thinking, particularly in file management, template creation, and workflow improvement. This is standard for operational roles that aim to streamline creative output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for creating and editing complex design assets.

• Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of typography, layout design, color theory, and visual hierarchy to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.

• Print & Digital Design Acumen: Ability to design for both print (brochures, invitations) and digital formats (social media, web graphics), understanding the distinct technical requirements of each.

• Brand Management: Experience working within established brand systems, ensuring brand integrity and consistency across diverse applications and audiences.

• File Preparation: Proficiency in preparing files for professional offset and digital print production, including understanding resolution, color modes, and output specifications.

• Client Brief Interpretation: Ability to translate written project briefs and verbal direction into compelling visual communications.

• Organizational Skills: Excellent time management and organizational abilities to effectively manage multiple projects and meet varying deadlines.

• Communication & Feedback: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the capacity to receive and act on constructive feedback professionally.

Preferred Skills:

• Canva Proficiency: Familiarity with Canva or similar template-based design tools, beneficial for collaborative institutional environments and efficient template creation.

• Higher Education/Non-Profit Experience: Prior experience working within a higher education, non-profit, or agency setting, understanding the unique communication needs and stakeholders in these environments.

• Email Marketing & Social Media Design: Experience designing graphics specifically for email marketing platforms and various social media channels.

• Large Organization Experience: Experience working with internal stakeholders in large, multi-departmental organizations, understanding complex communication flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, print/digital design, and brand consistency aligns with typical requirements for marketing operations and creative support roles. The preference for Canva suggests a need for scalable design solutions beyond individual project work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio or a direct link to an online portfolio is mandatory for application.

• The portfolio must clearly demonstrate a range of design work, specifically showcasing experience in both print and digital applications.

• Visual examples of how brand guidelines were applied and maintained across different projects are highly valued.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have managed project workflows, from initial concept through revisions and final file delivery.

• Provide evidence of creating and utilizing design templates or systems to improve efficiency and consistency, especially within a branded environment.

• Demonstrate an understanding of file preparation processes for various outputs (e.g., web optimization, print-ready files with specific bleed/trim requirements).

• Include examples of how you have incorporated feedback to refine designs, demonstrating a collaborative and iterative design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role supporting marketing, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on process within the portfolio is crucial to assess how the candidate approaches project management and adheres to operational standards like brand consistency and efficient workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $38.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

Working Hours:

• Part-time, flexible schedule determined in coordination with the Director of Marketing.

• Hours will vary weekly based on project volume and team needs.

• Total hours will not exceed 1,000 in a calendar year.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific and provided. The description of benefits as "limited" and "non-benefited" is typical for part-time, hourly positions that do not meet full-time employment thresholds. The 1,000-hour limit is a key operational constraint for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: The University of Denver is a large, established institution. The CAHSS Marketing team operates within this larger structure, likely involving collaboration with various departments and central university services.

Founded: 1864, providing a long history and established presence in the higher education landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Marketing within the CAHSS Marketing Team.

• Collaboration is expected with other members of the CAHSS Marketing Team and various department/school stakeholders across CAHSS.

Methodology:

• Design work is guided by the University of Denver's established brand guidelines and CAHSS-specific marketing objectives.

• Emphasis on data-informed design where applicable, though the primary driver is effective visual communication and brand adherence.

• Workflow management and project prioritization are key operational methodologies to ensure timely delivery of assets.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the University of Denver's mission and the CAHSS's academic breadth is key to tailoring design work. The structure implies a need for strong communication and project management skills to navigate internal client needs within a larger institutional framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-to-mid-level specialist role within a marketing operations/creative services function. It provides hands-on experience in design execution and brand management within a large educational institution.

Reporting Structure: Directly reports to the Director of Marketing, CAHSS, providing clear lines of communication and project oversight.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perception and external communication of CAHSS departments, programs, and initiatives. Effective design enhances brand recognition, supports recruitment efforts, and communicates the value of CAHSS offerings to prospective students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital advertising, publication design, motion graphics if applicable) through project exposure.

• Brand System Mastery: Gaining in-depth knowledge of higher education branding and applying it across a diverse academic college.

• Project Management Acumen: Developing skills in managing multiple client requests, deadlines, and stakeholder feedback within a structured marketing environment.

• Potential for Future Roles: While this is a part-time, non-benefited role, successful performance could lead to opportunities for expanded hours, different roles within the University, or enhanced references for future design positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is primarily through skill enhancement and project experience rather than formal advancement within a hierarchy, given its part-time nature. The value lies in building a strong portfolio and gaining experience in a specific industry context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, meaning the work is performed entirely outside of a traditional office setting.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the University of Denver is located in Denver, Colorado. The hiring unit is CAHSS.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is the employee's remote location, requiring a reliable internet connection and a suitable environment for focused design work.

• Collaboration occurs primarily through digital communication tools (email, video conferencing, project management software).

Work Schedule:

• The schedule is flexible and will be determined in coordination with the Director of Marketing.

• Hours will fluctuate based on project volume and team needs, not to exceed 1,000 hours annually. This requires significant self-management and availability to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature necessitates strong self-discipline and effective digital communication skills. The flexibility in hours requires careful planning to ensure project demands are met without exceeding the annual hour cap.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes, cover letters, and mandatory portfolios will be screened for required qualifications and design quality.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated review of submitted portfolios will assess design skills, range, adherence to brand principles, and technical proficiency.

• Potential Interview: Candidates may be invited for an interview (likely virtual) to discuss their experience, design approach, project management skills, and ability to work remotely and collaboratively.

• Skills Assessment/Exercise: A design challenge or exercise may be administered to evaluate practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to brand guidelines under timed conditions.

• Final Selection: Based on portfolio, interview, and any assessment results.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (print, digital, brand adherence).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, challenges encountered, and the final outcome. Highlight how you met the project objectives.

• Demonstrate Brand Application: Include examples where you had to work within strict brand guidelines, showing how you maintained integrity while being creative.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that demonstrate proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and mention any Canva experience if applicable.

• Clarity and Organization: Ensure your portfolio is easily navigable, professional, and clearly displays your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly review the University of Denver and CAHSS brand guidelines before any potential assessment.

• Practice Timed Design: Simulate timed design exercises, focusing on efficient execution and concept development within constraints.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss file preparation techniques for print and digital outputs.

• Articulate Your Decisions: Practice explaining your design choices, demonstrating your rationale based on creative brief, brand strategy, and audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the lynchpin of this application. Candidates must present a well-curated selection that directly addresses the job requirements, particularly the blend of print and digital work and brand compliance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe InDesign (for layout and print), Illustrator (for vector graphics and logos), and Photoshop (for image manipulation and digital assets).

• Canva: Preferred familiarity with Canva or similar template-based design tools, indicating a need for efficient, repeatable design solutions.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design tasks, but awareness of how designs integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications (e.g., email templates) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Canva provides a clear technological requirement. Proficiency here is non-negotiable, and familiarity with Canva suggests a need for efficiency and potentially collaborative design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A core value is maintaining and upholding the visual identity of the University of Denver and CAHSS with precision.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Given the project-driven nature and part-time hours, delivering high-quality work efficiently and on schedule is paramount.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with the marketing team and internal stakeholders, incorporating feedback constructively.

• Inclusivity & Equity: Commitment to designing for diverse audiences and fostering an inclusive environment, adhering to accessibility standards.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of refining workflows and improving design processes for better outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Digital-First: Primarily collaborative through digital channels, requiring clear, concise communication via email, chat, and video conferencing.

• Feedback Integration: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs, with designers expected to integrate this professionally.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Working closely with various CAHSS departments to understand their specific design needs and deliver tailored solutions.

• Team Support: Contributing to a supportive team environment where members can assist each other in meeting project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on inclusivity and equity is a significant cultural indicator for university environments. The need to balance brand integrity with project-specific needs and stakeholder input defines the collaborative dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Diverse Needs: Creating unique designs for multiple departments while strictly adhering to overarching university brand guidelines.

• Managing Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and receiving feedback in a fully remote setting, ensuring alignment without in-person interaction.

• Prioritizing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous design requests with varying deadlines and stakeholder expectations, requiring strong organizational skills.

• Adhering to Hour Cap: Managing workload and project scope to stay within the 1,000-hour annual limit, potentially requiring negotiation of project timelines or scope.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Gaining hands-on experience with complex design challenges within a large institution.

• Higher Education Marketing Insights: Understanding the specific marketing strategies and design considerations for academic institutions.

• Remote Work Best Practices: Honing skills in remote communication, project management, and self-discipline.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Every project completed contributes tangible pieces to a professional portfolio, demonstrating real-world application of design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is operational: managing the workload within the part-time hour constraint while meeting diverse stakeholder needs. Growth opportunities are centered on skill development and portfolio building.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance strict brand guidelines with a creative design brief. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses brand adherence and creative problem-solving.)

• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Evaluates organizational and project management skills, crucial for this role.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for a university, specifically the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences?" (Assesses interest in the educational sector and CAHSS's mission.)

• "How do you ensure inclusivity and accessibility in your design work?" (Gauges understanding of DEI principles and their application in design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Walkthrough: Select 3-4 key projects. For each, clearly state the objective, your role, the design process, challenges, solutions, and the final impact.

• Highlight Brand Application: Specifically point out how you adhered to brand standards and any creative solutions you developed within those constraints.

• Emphasize Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, particularly for print preparation and digital optimization.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your ability to take feedback, and your understanding of the project's goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating practical skills, understanding of the university environment, and remote work capability, all while emphasizing portfolio strength.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Part-Time Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application online through the University of Denver's careers portal, ensuring all required materials are uploaded.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight graphic design experience, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva, and any experience in higher education or marketing. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 50+ social media graphics per semester").

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Articulate your enthusiasm for the role, the University of Denver, and CAHSS. Clearly state how your skills and experience align with the job requirements, particularly your ability to manage remote work and adhere to brand standards.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easily accessible (online link preferred), and showcases a strong range of print and digital design work relevant to the role’s responsibilities. Organize it to highlight your best work and make it easy for reviewers to assess your qualifications.

• Research CAHSS & DU: Familiarize yourself with the University of Denver's mission, values, and the specific departments/programs within CAHSS. Understand their current marketing efforts and brand identity to better tailor your application and prepare for potential interview questions.

⚠️ 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.