Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: The Ohio State University

Location: Ackerman Rd, 660 (0242), United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to developing and executing high-quality visual assets that support The Ohio State University Medical Center's brand strategy and marketing objectives.

• It involves advanced interactive and graphic design for a major healthcare institution, requiring strong creative vision and technical expertise in design software.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will manage multiple design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and project deadlines.

• This position contributes to organization-wide visual design initiatives, acting as a key player in shaping the visual identity of a leading academic medical center.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes its role within "Health System Shared Services | Communications and Marketing" and the need to align with "medical center’s brand strategy." This suggests a strong focus on marketing operations and the application of design principles within a healthcare marketing context, rather than purely artistic or purely technical design. The inclusion of "approved AI platforms" and "Figma" alongside Adobe Creative Suite indicates a modern, integrated approach to design and operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute high-quality visual assets across various media, including graphics, illustrations, animations, presentations, social media creative, and website visuals.

• Develop and manage design projects, ensuring they meet goals, objectives, deadlines, and established budgets while upholding organizational brand and design standards for The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

• Serve as a project lead for organization-wide visual design initiatives, such as brand site updates, digital asset management, photo library updates, and environmental branding.

• Collaborate with photographers to plan and lead photo shoots, ensuring visual consistency and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Contribute innovative ideas to design and content creation teams to enhance efficiency and strengthen brand identity.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, adhering to tight deadlines and an approved production calendar.

• Ensure all designed materials comply with accessibility standards and WCAG guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project leadership, typical of a senior role in marketing operations. The emphasis on "organization-wide visual design initiatives" and "environmental branding" suggests a strategic component beyond individual project design, impacting the broader institutional presence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field.

Experience: At least five years of relevant professional design experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Expert knowledge of design software, including Figma and approved AI platforms.

• Strong creative vision and design thinking capabilities.

• Experience in developing and executing branding and advertising campaigns.

• Proficiency in creating social media content and other digital marketing assets.

• Understanding of accessibility standards and WCAG guidelines.

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.

• Experience working within established brand standards. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with photography direction and leading photo shoots.

• Experience with digital asset management and photo library updates.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint for template design.

• Experience with print production processes and oversight.

• Knowledge of interactive design principles.

• Familiarity with website content management systems (CMS).

• Experience with animation and digital media production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a strong technical foundation in design software, including newer tools like Figma and AI platforms, alongside a deep understanding of accessibility and brand compliance, which are critical for large organizations like universities and healthcare systems. The preferred skills point towards a more holistic understanding of the design lifecycle, from conceptualization to final output and asset management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of design work, including branding, advertising, and digital campaigns.

• Demonstrations of social media content creation and execution.

• Examples of high-impact creative work, such as brochures, publications, and website visuals.

• Evidence of managing design projects from inception through completion, highlighting workflow and problem-solving.

• Examples of designs adhering to strict brand guidelines and accessibility standards (WCAG). Process Documentation:

• Case studies demonstrating the process of developing and executing visual assets for specific marketing initiatives.

• Examples of how design projects were managed, including timelines, stakeholder engagement, and budget considerations.

• Documentation of collaboration with photographers or other creative team members.

• Examples of contributions to improving design efficiency or strengthening brand identity through process innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, a portfolio is paramount. The expectation is not just to showcase final designs but to provide context on the design process, project management, and the impact of the work, particularly within a structured environment like a university medical center. This aligns with operations' focus on efficiency and structured execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a Senior Graphic Designer at The Ohio State University, a public institution with a structured pay scale, the salary range is estimated to be between $70,000 and $95,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior graphic design roles in major metropolitan areas with a strong public sector presence, considering the experience level (5+ years) and the scope of responsibilities within a large university medical center. Exact compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the university's internal pay grades.

Benefits:

• An array of retirement plan options with a generous employer contribution.

• Affordable health insurance options, including dental, vision, and prescription coverage that begin on day one.

• Paid vacation and sick leave.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Paid parental leave.

• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically during the First Shift (standard business hours).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles at large public universities and healthcare systems in the US. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for public sector employment, with a notable emphasis on long-term financial security and employee well-being, including the unique benefit of Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare and Higher Education. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is a prominent academic medical center, part of a large public research university. This industry context implies a focus on patient care, research, education, and community service, with a strong emphasis on brand integrity and public trust.

Company Size: Large enterprise, part of The Ohio State University system, which is one of the largest universities in the United States. This scale means extensive resources, complex organizational structures, and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Founded: The Ohio State University was founded in 1870. The Wexner Medical Center has grown significantly over the decades, establishing itself as a leading healthcare provider and research institution. This long history suggests a culture of tradition, stability, and continuous evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Health System Shared Services | Communications and Marketing department.

• The team likely comprises other marketing and communications professionals, including writers, editors, digital specialists, and potentially project managers.

• Collaboration is expected across various departments within the Medical Center to support their communication and marketing needs. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, especially concerning brand effectiveness and campaign performance.

• Emphasis on adherence to established brand guidelines and university policies.

• Collaborative approach to project development, involving stakeholders from various departments.

• Strategic planning for visual communications to support institutional goals.

Company Website: https://www.osu.edu/ and https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of healthcare and higher education means the organization operates under dual pressures: delivering high-quality patient care and advancing academic research/education, all while maintaining a strong public-facing brand. This requires a sophisticated and compliant approach to marketing and communications, where design plays a critical operational role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a significant level of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. The role is expected to not only execute designs but also to lead initiatives, mentor junior staff (potentially), and contribute strategically to the department's overall visual communication efforts. It sits above entry-level or mid-level designer roles and below management positions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports to a supervisor within the Health System Shared Services | Communications and Marketing department. This structure suggests oversight and guidance on project priorities, brand consistency, and strategic alignment.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly shaping the visual identity and communication effectiveness of a major academic medical center. High-quality design supports patient engagement, donor relations, recruitment, public perception, and the overall brand reputation of the institution. Effective visual communication is a critical operational component for any large organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Lead Graphic Designer or Art Director roles within the department or Medical Center.

• Specialization in specific areas like digital design, environmental branding, or animation.

• Opportunities to lead larger, more complex design projects and initiatives.

• Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to team training and development.

• Development of strategic thinking and project management skills through leadership roles in organization-wide initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a path beyond pure execution. Growth opportunities would likely involve increased strategic involvement, project leadership, and potentially team management, aligning with typical career progressions in marketing and operations departments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at The Ohio State University Medical Center facilities. This implies a professional office environment within a large healthcare and academic campus.

Office Location(s): Ackerman Rd, 660 (0242), which is a specific location within the larger Columbus, Ohio campus area.

Workspace Context:

• A professional office setting conducive to creative work and collaboration.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design equipment.

• Opportunities to interact with a diverse team of marketing, communications, and healthcare professionals.

• The environment is likely structured, with established workflows and protocols, reflecting the operational nature of a large institution.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, 40-hour work week, primarily during the first shift (daytime hours). While deadlines are emphasized, the structure of a public institution often means predictable hours, with potential for occasional overtime during peak project periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a collaborative environment where in-person interaction with colleagues and stakeholders is valued, which is common for roles requiring direct input and feedback in a complex organizational setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Technical/Creative Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a portfolio review session where candidates present their work and discuss their process, problem-solving, and technical skills. This would likely involve demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and understanding of brand guidelines.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions assessing collaboration skills, project management capabilities, ability to work under pressure, and alignment with university values. This might include discussing how they handled challenging projects or stakeholder feedback.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members and potentially department leads to evaluate cultural fit and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your range, especially those relevant to healthcare, higher education, branding, digital campaigns, and social media.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact of your design. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, AI tools, and how you ensure designs are accessible (WCAG compliant).

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Show examples of how you've worked within or adapted to brand guidelines, particularly for a large institution.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Tasks: Be ready for a design prompt that might involve creating a social media graphic, a brochure concept, or adapting existing materials to a new campaign, keeping brand guidelines and accessibility in mind.

• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, articulate your thought process, the tools you'd use, and the key considerations.

• Time Management: Practice working under timed conditions to simulate a potential design challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenge points to a rigorous selection process that prioritizes hands-on creative and operational execution skills, alongside strategic thinking and brand adherence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator for core design tasks.

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX elements, indicating a move towards modern design workflows.

• Approved AI Platforms: Integration of AI tools for design ideation, asset generation, or workflow enhancement is expected.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly PowerPoint for creating presentations and templates.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analyst role, understanding how to design for digital platforms that track engagement (e.g., website analytics, social media metrics) is beneficial.

• Experience designing dashboards or visual reports that communicate data effectively may be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRM systems (e.g., email marketing templates, landing page visuals) is advantageous.

• Familiarity with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems for organizing and distributing creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of Figma and AI platforms alongside Adobe Creative Suite signifies a forward-thinking approach to design operations, emphasizing collaboration, efficiency, and the integration of new technologies. Proficiency in these tools is key for operational effectiveness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: Commitment to producing high-quality, impactful visual communications that elevate the institution's brand.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across marketing, communications, and other departments to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing new technologies (like AI and Figma) and creative approaches to improve design processes and outcomes.

• Client Focus: Understanding and meeting the diverse needs of internal stakeholders within the Medical Center.

• Adherence to Standards: Upholding brand consistency, accessibility guidelines (WCAG), and institutional policies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with writers, digital specialists, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive campaign development.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and iterative design processes to refine work.

• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed about project status, timelines, and potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and adherence to standards is crucial for a large, complex organization like OSU Medical Center, where consistency and unified messaging are vital for operational success and brand integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing a high volume of diverse design requests from various departments with competing priorities.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual output adheres strictly to established brand guidelines across a vast institution.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving design tools and platforms (e.g., AI, new Figma features) while integrating them into established workflows.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Delivering high-quality creative work under pressure and within strict timelines.

• Navigating Stakeholder Feedback: Managing diverse opinions and feedback from various internal clients to arrive at optimal design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and emerging AI design tools.

• Workshops on Accessibility: Further education on WCAG guidelines and inclusive design practices.

• Project Leadership Development: Gaining experience in leading larger design initiatives and potentially mentoring junior team members.

• Industry Trends and Conferences: Access to professional development resources to stay abreast of the latest in graphic design, marketing, and healthcare communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of a large institution, requiring strong project management and adaptability. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding technical skills and leadership capabilities within the marketing operations domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure successful delivery?" (Assesses project management and prioritization skills).

• "How do you approach ensuring brand consistency across diverse marketing materials for a large organization like ours?" (Evaluates understanding of branding operations).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a social media campaign from concept to final asset. What tools do you use, and how do you ensure engagement?" (Tests creative process and digital operations knowledge). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center specifically, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Assesses cultural fit and understanding of the organization's context).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or significant changes to your design work from stakeholders?" (Evaluates collaboration and adaptability).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, and how have you incorporated them into your work?" (Assesses proactive learning and operational adoption of new tools). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of your experience, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, your process, the challenges, the solution, and the outcome/impact.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, successful event attendance) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your use of specific software (Adobe CC, Figma, AI) and how you ensured accessibility (WCAG).

• Tailor to OSU: Highlight projects that align with the healthcare or higher education sectors, or demonstrate your ability to adapt to complex brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also operational acumen—how you manage projects, collaborate, adhere to standards, and leverage technology to achieve organizational goals within a complex healthcare and academic setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ohio State University careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, AI platforms, brand strategy, project management, and accessibility standards (WCAG). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed design for X campaigns," "Improved visual engagement by Y%").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that demonstrate versatility, technical skill, and alignment with the requirements. Prepare to discuss your process, challenges, and outcomes for each.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Familiarize yourself with common design tasks in marketing and communications, and practice articulating your thought process under time constraints.

• Research The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center: Understand their brand, mission, and recent marketing initiatives to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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