Part-Time Junior Graphic Designer (LOA)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Junior Graphic Designer (LOA)

Company: Nevada System of Higher Education

Location: University of Nevada, Reno - Main Campus, Reno, NV, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-07-31

Experience Level: Entry-level to Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a part-time, Letter of Appointment (LOA) position focused on providing essential production support within the Office of Marketing and Communications.

• The Junior Graphic Designer will execute design work under the guidance of senior designers, focusing on established templates and brand guidelines.

• Key responsibilities include managing and organizing digital assets, preparing layouts, and fulfilling internal requests for marketing materials.

• This position offers an excellent opportunity for a developing graphic designer to gain practical experience in a higher education setting, contributing to brand consistency and creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," this role is framed within an operations context, emphasizing production support, asset management, and workflow adherence, which are core to operational efficiency in a marketing department. The LOA designation suggests a temporary or project-based appointment, which is important for candidates to understand regarding employment terms.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute design work for a variety of established templates and brand guidelines, including social media graphics, email banners, flyers, signage, and internal collateral.

• Resize and reformat existing brand assets to ensure consistent application across print, digital, and social media channels.

• Prepare initial layouts and mockups for review and refinement by the Senior Brand and Graphic Designer, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Implement production revisions based on feedback, demonstrating an ability to iterate and improve designs effectively.

• Maintain and organize the digital asset library, adhering to established naming conventions, folder structures, and brand guidelines for efficient retrieval and use.

• Archive final design files and assets within internal filing systems to ensure proper record-keeping and accessibility.

• Respond promptly to internal requests for existing marketing and brand materials, ensuring timely delivery of assets.

• Route any proposed changes to file organization or asset structure to the Brand and Graphic Designer for review and approval, maintaining process integrity.

• Manage and upload content for campus video boards, ensuring accurate and timely display of information.

• Develop marketing assets and materials for MarCom and other university units as assigned, contributing to broader institutional communication goals.

• Provide day-to-day production support to the Brand and Graphic Designer and the broader creative team, ensuring smooth workflow operations.

• Track design requests and deadlines within the team's project management system, contributing to project transparency and accountability.

• Assist with other creative or administrative tasks as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to support team needs.

• Provide support for special projects as needed, contributing to diverse initiatives within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on production, asset management, and adherence to established processes and brand guidelines, indicating a role that requires meticulous execution and organizational skills rather than pure creative conceptualization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.

• Alternatively, a Master's degree in a related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of related professional work experience for Bachelor's degree holders.

• Minimum of 1 year of related professional work experience for Master's degree holders.

• Experience in a university or higher education marketing/communications setting is a plus. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design principles and visual communications.

• Skilled in digital media design and application.

• Demonstrated expertise with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Familiarity with Canva for design creation and template utilization.

• Ability to understand and apply brand guidelines consistently.

• Experience in creating and adapting designs for social media platforms.

• Understanding of best practices for marketing and media design.

• Strong organizational skills with a high attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple design requests and deadlines simultaneously.

• Basic understanding of file management and digital asset organization.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds of weighted supplies.

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically with creating and templating designs for social media graphics.

• Familiarity with managing content for digital displays or video boards.

• Experience with project management tools or systems.

• Knowledge of print production processes and requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is framed broadly, allowing candidates with either a Bachelor's and 2 years of experience, or a Master's and 1 year of experience. The physical requirements are specific and should be noted by candidates. The inclusion of Canva alongside Adobe Creative Suite suggests a practical approach to design tools, common in fast-paced marketing environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a range of graphic design capabilities, including examples of social media graphics, email banners, flyers, and collateral.

• Showcase of work that adheres to established brand guidelines and demonstrates an understanding of visual hierarchy and brand consistency.

• Examples of adapting existing brand assets for different media (print, digital, social).

• Clear presentation of layout design and mockups, highlighting design thinking and execution.

• Evidence of ability to manage and organize digital assets and design files systematically. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for managing design requests from intake to final delivery.

• Ability to articulate how they would manage and organize a digital asset library according to established conventions.

• Demonstrate an understanding of revision processes and how to incorporate feedback effectively.

• Showcase of how they track project progress and manage deadlines using team-assigned systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio and the emphasis on process discussion during interviews are critical for operations roles. This highlights the need for candidates to not only show their creative output but also their systematic approach to design production and asset management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• This is a Part-time Letter of Appointment (LOA) position. Compensation is based on "Activity Pay" rather than a fixed hourly or annual salary.

• Specific pay rates for LOA positions can vary and are often determined by the scope of work and the candidate's qualifications relative to the requirements.

• For a part-time role of this nature in Reno, NV, comparable positions with 1-2 years of experience might typically range from $18-$25 per hour if paid hourly, but LOA structures are distinct. The "50.0% Full-Time Equivalent" suggests the role is half of a standard full-time workload. Benefits:

• As a part-time Letter of Appointment position, comprehensive benefits typically associated with full-time employment (e.g., health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off) may not be fully provided.

• Specific benefits eligibility would need to be confirmed directly with the University of Nevada, Reno Human Resources department.

• Access to university resources and facilities may be available. Working Hours:

• Approximately 20 hours per week.

• The schedule is variable and will be determined based on departmental needs and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure for LOA positions can be less transparent than standard employment. Candidates should clarify the exact payment terms, frequency, and any limited benefits associated with this type of appointment. The variable schedule requires flexibility from the candidate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Public Research University)

Company Size: Large (University system with numerous campuses and employees)

Founded: 1874 (University of Nevada, Reno)

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Office of Marketing and Communications.

• They will report administratively to the Director of Creative Services and receive day-to-day creative direction from the Senior Brand and Graphic Designer.

• This structure indicates a hierarchical creative team with clear lines of reporting and mentorship opportunities.

• Collaboration will likely occur with other members of the MarCom department and potentially with various university units requesting design services. Methodology:

• The department operates with a focus on brand consistency, adhering to established brand guidelines for all university communications.

• Design work is production-oriented, emphasizing efficiency, accuracy, and timely delivery of assets.

• Digital asset management and organization are key to supporting the creative workload efficiently.

• Project management systems are utilized to track requests, deadlines, and workflow.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large university system means adhering to institutional branding and policies. The "R1" classification and focus on research imply a dynamic environment, but the MarCom department's operational focus will be on supporting that mission through consistent and professional communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Production Support

• This role is positioned as an entry-level opportunity within a professional creative operations team. It serves as a stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in graphic design, particularly within institutional marketing and communications. The focus is on execution and support, laying the groundwork for more complex design responsibilities. Reporting Structure:

• Reports to the Director of Creative Services (administrative) and Senior Brand and Graphic Designer (day-to-day creative direction). This structure provides mentorship and clear guidance from experienced professionals. Operations Impact:

• The Junior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual consistency and professional presentation of the University of Nevada, Reno.

• By managing assets and executing designs accurately, they contribute to the efficiency of the MarCom department and support the university's brand integrity across all platforms.

• Effective design support helps to communicate the university's mission, research, and achievements to internal and external stakeholders. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva, and develop a deeper understanding of design principles applied in a higher education context.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior designers provides learning opportunities and professional development.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Gaining practical experience and producing a range of work for a reputable institution can significantly bolster a designer's professional portfolio.

• Potential for Advancement: Successful performance in this role could lead to opportunities for increased responsibilities, more complex design projects, or future full-time positions within the university or similar organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a foundational step in a design career. Growth will primarily come from mastering production tasks, understanding operational workflows, and developing a strong portfolio through hands-on experience within a structured environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the University of Nevada, Reno Main Campus.

Office Location(s): University of Nevada, Reno - Main Campus, Reno, NV. Specific department location within the campus would be within the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Workspace Context:

• The role is situated within a professional marketing and communications department, likely featuring a collaborative office environment.

• Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) and potentially shared digital asset management systems will be provided.

• The workspace will support the execution of design tasks and provide opportunities for interaction with the Senior Brand and Graphic Designer and other MarCom team members.

• The physical demands include the ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 20 pounds, suggesting a work environment that may involve some movement and light physical tasks. Work Schedule:

• Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week.

• The schedule is variable, requiring flexibility to accommodate departmental needs and project deadlines. This means the specific days and times may shift week to week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared for an on-site role with a flexible, part-time schedule. The collaborative nature of a MarCom department is typical, but the specific team dynamics will be best understood during the interview process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes, cover letters (optional), and required portfolio link to assess qualifications and design capabilities.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to walk through their portfolio, explaining their design process, rationale, and the impact of their work. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, challenges, and solutions.

• Skills Assessment/Practical Exercise: A potential design exercise or skills test may be administered to evaluate proficiency in required software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) and ability to work within brand guidelines under timed conditions.

• Interviews: Discussions with the Director of Creative Services and/or Senior Brand and Graphic Designer to assess technical skills, understanding of brand operations, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the MarCom team. Questions may focus on how candidates manage production requests and adhere to processes.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (social media, collateral, digital assets).

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Focus on how you applied brand guidelines and managed production.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that show adaptability to different media (print, digital, social).

• Clarity and Organization: Ensure your portfolio is easily navigable and visually clean. Use clear descriptions and high-quality images.

• Tailor to Higher Ed: If possible, include any work relevant to educational institutions or similar large organizations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Guideline Application: Be ready to create a simple asset (e.g., social media post) based on provided university brand guidelines.

• Asset Adaptation: Practice resizing or reformatting an existing design for a different platform.

• Process Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would prioritize multiple design requests with varying deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component, and candidates should focus on demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also the operational aspects of design: process, organization, and adherence to brand standards. Be prepared to discuss your workflow and how you handle feedback.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphics.
  • InDesign: For layout design of flyers, brochures, signage, and other print/digital collateral.

• Canva: For template-based design creation, particularly for social media and quick collateral.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytical role, understanding how design assets perform on digital platforms (social media engagement, email click-through rates) is beneficial. The team may use analytics tools to track campaign performance, which design contributes to. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for web or digital display management (like campus video boards) could be an asset.

• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) are likely used for tracking design requests and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is paramount. Canva is also a key tool, indicating a need for efficiency and template-based work. Familiarity with project management systems is important for workflow adherence.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Stewardship: A strong commitment to maintaining and upholding the visual identity and brand standards of the University of Nevada, Reno.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Emphasis on timely execution of design tasks and effective management of production workflows to meet departmental and institutional needs.

• Collaboration & Support: A culture of teamwork where members support each other, share knowledge, and work together to achieve common goals.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in design execution, asset organization, and adherence to guidelines, ensuring quality and accuracy.

• Continuous Improvement: Willingness to learn new design techniques, adapt to evolving brand needs, and optimize personal and team processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires collaboration with the Senior Brand and Graphic Designer for direction and feedback, and potentially with other MarCom specialists (writers, digital marketers) and university units to fulfill design requests.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration is expected to be structured around established workflows, project management systems, and clear communication channels.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and implementing feedback from senior designers and stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely be professional and structured, reflecting the operational demands of a university marketing department. Expect a focus on process, brand consistency, and collaborative support within the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Production with Learning: Juggling a high volume of production requests while developing new design skills and understanding university-specific branding.

• Variable Schedule Management: Adapting to a flexible, part-time schedule that may require adjustments based on project demands.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying detailed brand standards across a wide range of materials, potentially limiting creative freedom in some aspects.

• Managing Digital Assets: Maintaining a large and complex digital asset library requires meticulous organization and adherence to protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Experience: Gaining hands-on experience with real-world design projects for a large institution.

• Mentorship from Senior Designers: Learning best practices, workflows, and advanced design techniques from experienced professionals.

• Exposure to Higher Education Marketing: Understanding the unique communication needs and strategies within the academic sector.

• Portfolio Building: Developing a robust portfolio with diverse examples of executed design work.

• Software Proficiency: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva through daily application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth path for this role is through mastering production efficiency, understanding institutional branding operations, and building a practical design portfolio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from concept to final delivery, especially when working with established brand guidelines." (Focus on workflow, communication, and adherence to standards.)

• "How do you approach managing a large library of digital assets to ensure easy access and consistent use?" (Highlight organizational skills and understanding of asset management principles.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to incorporate significant feedback from a supervisor or client. How did you handle the revisions?" (Demonstrate adaptability, receptiveness to feedback, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you prioritize multiple design requests with competing deadlines?" (Showcase time management and organizational strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in graphic design for a university setting like the University of Nevada, Reno?" (Research the university's mission, values, and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design projects?" (Discuss your understanding of brand guidelines and their importance.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with a team on a creative project. What was your role?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., social media, print collateral, asset organization).

• Narrative: For each piece, tell a brief story: the objective, your role, your process, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the outcome. Quantify results if possible (e.g., "This flyer was distributed to X students and led to Y sign-ups").

• Focus on Operations: Emphasize how you applied brand guidelines, managed your time, organized files, and incorporated feedback.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your comfort level with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.

• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and within any time limits provided.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your design process from an operational perspective, focusing on efficiency, organization, and adherence to brand standards, in addition to showcasing creative output.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this part-time Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workday job portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight experience in graphic design, digital asset management, production support, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva. Tailor your achievements to match the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant work (social media graphics, collateral, etc.), and is easily accessible via the provided link. Be ready to discuss your process and choices for each piece.

• Craft Your Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended): Briefly explain your interest in the role, how your skills align with the requirements, and why you are drawn to working for the University of Nevada, Reno.

• Gather References: Have the contact information (name, title, organization, email, phone number) for two professional references ready, as this is a required attachment.

• Research the University: Familiarize yourself with the University of Nevada, Reno's mission, brand guidelines, and recent marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.