Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: University of North Texas System

Location: Denton, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the visual identity and communication strategy for the University of North Texas System (UNT System), focusing on advanced professional and skilled technical work in communication design.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will lead design initiatives for targeted print and digital media, including advertising campaigns, marketing collateral, publications, and social media content, ensuring brand consistency and impact.

• A core function involves collaborating closely with project stakeholders, internal teams, and campus partners to conceptualize, design, and produce engaging visual assets that align with strategic institutional goals and enhance UNT's reputation.

• The position requires a proactive approach to project management, utilizing tools like Smartsheet, to ensure efficient workflow, timely delivery, and clear communication within the design team and with stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the mention of "Design team lead" responsibilities, this role implies a need for not just strong design skills but also project coordination, stakeholder management, and a deep understanding of brand strategy within a large, complex university system. The emphasis on audience research and strategic goal alignment suggests a role that goes beyond pure aesthetics to encompass effective communication design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce high-impact visual assets for a wide range of print and digital platforms, including advertising, marketing campaigns, publications, social media, and web content, ensuring adherence to UNT System brand guidelines.

• Lead design projects, acting as a team lead where applicable, and collaborate effectively with the Director of Design, Project Management team, and other stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.

• Integrate audience-specific research and current design trends into creative concepts to ensure maximum relevance, engagement, and effectiveness of communication materials.

• Manage project workflows using Smartsheet or similar project management tools, proactively track progress, communicate timelines, and ensure efficient task completion within established deadlines.

• Maintain and enhance the UNT System's institutional image by consistently applying brand marks, taglines, and graphic identity elements across all designed materials and advising campus partners on brand best practices.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to align design work with strategic goals, supporting student recruitment, retention, graduation, and overall institutional reputation.

• Produce clean, well-organized, and professional design files, adhering to established naming conventions, layer organization, and pre-flighting processes for print and digital production.

• Participate in press checks and quality assurance processes to ensure the final output meets design specifications and brand standards.

• Proactively seek inspiration from design and art history, current trends, and other sources to foster innovation and create unique, engaging design solutions.

• Receive and implement constructive feedback from the Director of Design and stakeholders, actively participating in discussions to refine designs and achieve agreed-upon solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a blend of creative execution and operational management. Responsibilities include not only design but also project tracking (Smartsheet), stakeholder communication, brand stewardship, and quality control (pre-flighting, press checks), indicating a need for a well-rounded operations-minded designer.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of professional graphic arts work experience in print, video, and/or electronic media production, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in leading design projects or serving in a team lead capacity is highly advantageous. Required Skills:

• Mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, for professional design and production.

• Proven ability to conceptualize, design, and produce unique, engaging, and original work that aligns with strategic objectives.

• Strong understanding of audience research and the ability to translate insights into creative, accurate, and effective design solutions.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams and campus partners.

• Proficiency in managing projects and workflows, with experience using project management software such as Smartsheet.

• Commitment to following best practices in sourcing and licensing fonts, photography, and illustration.

• Knowledge of print and digital media production techniques, planning, methods, and best practices. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Animate or After Effects for motion graphics and animation.

• Illustration skills.

• Familiarity with project management workflows beyond Smartsheet.

• Knowledge of Adobe Express and Adobe Firefly.

• Awareness of evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence and their impact on design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation, coupled with "team lead" responsibilities, suggests that candidates with experience in guiding junior designers or managing project timelines and client expectations will be highly valued. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud is standard, but the explicit mention of specific applications like InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, alongside preferred tools like Animate/After Effects, highlights the expected technical depth.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, including print, digital, advertising, and marketing campaigns, demonstrating conceptual strength and execution quality.

• Clear examples of how audience research and strategic goals were incorporated into design solutions, highlighting the problem-solving aspect of your work.

• Demonstration of proficiency in the required Adobe Creative Cloud applications (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) through the quality and complexity of the presented work.

• Evidence of experience in managing design projects from concept to completion, ideally with examples of workflow management or collaboration with project management tools. Process Documentation:

• Examples of design processes followed, including stages of conceptualization, design development, stakeholder review, and final production.

• Demonstration of how brand guidelines were applied and maintained across multiple projects or campaigns.

• Case studies that illustrate the impact of design work on achieving specific communication or marketing objectives, ideally with measurable outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, especially in a large organization like a university system, a portfolio is not just about aesthetics. It needs to showcase strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and the ability to execute within established brand frameworks. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their process and how their designs contribute to broader institutional goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated salary for this position is $51,744.00 per year. Benefits:

• Retirement Plan: Eligible for the Teacher Retirement System (TRS).

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive benefits package available, details can be found at https://hr.untsystem.edu/benefits/index.php. This typically includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

• Paid Time Off: Likely includes vacation, sick leave, and holidays, consistent with university system policies.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning and growth within the UNT System, potentially including training on new design technologies and brand strategy.

• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility.

Working Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

• Hybrid work arrangement is optional, allowing for a combination of on-site and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary is a fixed figure. In a competitive market, candidates might research similar "Senior Graphic Designer" roles in higher education within the Dallas-Fort Worth area to gauge the overall compensation landscape, though the listed salary is the definitive figure for this role. The TRS eligibility is a significant benefit for public sector employees in Texas.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: Large (UNT System employs over 14,000 employees and educates over 49,000 students across its campuses).

Founded: The UNT System comprises multiple institutions, with the University of North Texas founded in 1890.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Division of University Brand Strategy and Communications (UBSC), which serves as the chief communications organization for UNT.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will work within the Design team, reporting to the Director of Design, and collaborating with project managers and other UBSC staff.

• This position requires collaboration with various internal and external partners across UNT System campuses to advance institutional identity and reputation. Methodology:

• The UBSC employs a collaborative approach to brand management, reinforcing and growing UNT's brand through graphics, images, and words.

• Design work is guided by strategic goals, including student recruitment, retention, and enhancing UNT's visibility and relevance in the higher education marketplace.

• Emphasis is placed on a people-first, values-based culture, fostering respect, belonging, and access, with an encouragement for curiosity, innovation, and courageous integrity.

Company Website: www.UNTSystem.edu

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large university system like UNT offers stability and the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization. The culture emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and continuous learning, which are key for operations professionals who bridge creative and strategic functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior Graphic Designer," indicating a mid-to-senior level position within the creative and communications function. It involves advanced technical skills, leadership potential, and strategic input.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Design within the Division of University Brand Strategy and Communications (UBSC).

• They will work closely with the Project Management team and other designers, and will collaborate with stakeholders across various UNT System departments and campuses. Operations Impact:

• The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the UNT System's institutional identity, reputation, and market visibility.

• Effective design contributes to student recruitment and retention goals by presenting a compelling and consistent brand message.

• High-quality communication materials support fundraising efforts, alumni engagement, and overall perception of the university system's value and relevance. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, explore emerging design technologies (AI tools like Firefly, Animate, After Effects), and gain experience in advanced brand strategy and campaign development.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a lead designer role, mentor junior designers, and take on more complex project management responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Experience working with various university departments provides a broad understanding of higher education operations and communication needs.

• Career Progression: Potential pathways could lead to roles such as Art Director, Design Manager, or senior positions within communications and marketing departments within the UNT System or other educational institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and "team lead" mention are strong indicators of growth potential. Candidates should inquire about formal leadership training or mentorship programs available within the UBSC or UNT System for senior-level employees.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description mentions a hybrid optional work arrangement, suggesting a modern office environment that supports flexible work models. This likely includes collaborative workspaces, individual workstations, and necessary technological infrastructure.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is Denton, Texas.

• The hybrid option allows for flexibility, but regular presence in the Denton office will likely be required for team collaboration, meetings, and access to on-site resources. Workspace Context:

• The role requires a collaborative environment where designers work closely with project managers, directors, and campus partners to achieve strategic communication goals.

• Access to standard office technology, high-performance workstations, and the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the design team and other UBSC members will foster knowledge sharing and creative problem-solving. Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) apply.

• The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in balancing on-site and remote work, supporting efficient workflow and work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key environmental factor. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding the number of days in the office, core collaboration hours, and any specific technology or security requirements for remote work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on qualifications, experience, and portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving approaches for specific projects. Expect to elaborate on how you've integrated audience research and brand standards.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise might be administered to assess technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and design problem-solving under timed conditions.

• Stakeholder/Team Interviews: Meetings with the Director of Design, Project Management team, and potentially other UBSC members to assess collaboration skills, cultural fit, and understanding of university communications.

• Final Interview: May involve a higher-level manager or HR representative to discuss overall fit and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this Senior Graphic Designer role, emphasizing print and digital campaigns, brand consistency, and strategic thinking.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome or impact. Use visuals to illustrate key stages.

• Highlight Leadership/Seniority: Include examples where you've led projects, mentored others, or managed stakeholder expectations.

• Demonstrate Technical Mastery: Be prepared to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Cloud tools and your approach to file organization and production readiness.

• Tailor to Higher Education: If possible, include projects relevant to educational institutions or large organizations to demonstrate an understanding of their unique communication needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review UNT System's brand guidelines and recent marketing materials to understand their visual identity and messaging.

• Practice articulating your design philosophy and how you approach integrating research and strategic goals into your work.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with project management tools like Smartsheet and your approach to managing multiple projects and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "team lead," "stakeholder collaboration," and "audience research" suggests interview questions will probe not just design skill but also project management, communication strategy, and problem-solving capabilities. A well-structured portfolio presentation is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • InDesign: Essential for layout and publication design.
  • Photoshop: Critical for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: Key for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.

• Project Management Software:

  • Smartsheet: Explicitly mentioned for workflow management and task tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) and social media analytics tools would be beneficial for understanding campaign performance. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified for this role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM systems could be an advantage. Emerging Technologies (Preferred):

• Adobe Animate / After Effects: For motion graphics and video integration.

• Adobe Express / Adobe Firefly: For rapid content creation and AI-assisted design.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Design: Awareness of AI's impact and potential applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud is non-negotiable. The explicit mention of Smartsheet indicates it's a core tool for operational efficiency. Familiarity with newer Adobe tools like Firefly and Animate would be a significant differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence, Curiosity, and Innovation: The UNT System encourages a proactive approach to learning, exploring new ideas, and striving for high quality in all endeavors.

• People-First, Values-Based: A culture that prioritizes respect, belonging, and access for all employees and stakeholders.

• Better Together: Emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support across departments and campuses.

• Courageous Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards and acting in the best interest of the university system and its communities.

• Be Curious: Encouragement to explore learning opportunities, experiment, and learn from both successes and failures.

• Show Your Fire: Passion and pride in one's work are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, involving close work with the Director of Design, Project Management team, and various campus partners.

• Expectation of clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and receptiveness to feedback as standard components of the creative process.

• A culture that supports knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The UNT System's values are deeply integrated into its operations. For a Senior Graphic Designer, demonstrating how one embodies these values—through collaborative design processes, innovative solutions, and a commitment to excellence and integrity—will be key to cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Diverse Needs: Ensuring a unified brand identity across multiple university campuses and departments, each with potentially unique communication requirements and stakeholders.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Priorities: Effectively juggling numerous design requests with varying deadlines and strategic importance, leveraging project management tools and clear communication.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design software, AI tools, and digital communication trends to maintain cutting-edge design quality and efficiency.

• Integrating Feedback: Receiving and implementing edits from diverse stakeholders while maintaining design integrity and strategic alignment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to UNT System HR resources for professional development, potentially including workshops on project management, leadership, or new design software.

• Industry Trends: Opportunities to research and implement new design techniques, explore AI-assisted design tools, and stay abreast of higher education marketing best practices.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from the Director of Design and other senior members of the UBSC team.

• Networking: Engaging with professionals across different departments and campuses within the UNT System to broaden understanding of higher education operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in large, multi-faceted organizations. Candidates should prepare to discuss how they've successfully navigated these challenges in previous roles, highlighting their problem-solving skills and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project you led from concept to completion. How did you manage stakeholders, incorporate feedback, and ensure it met strategic objectives?" (Focus on process, leadership, and strategic alignment).

• "How do you approach integrating audience research into your design process to ensure maximum impact and engagement?" (Highlight analytical and user-centered design thinking).

• "Given UNT's brand guidelines, how would you approach designing a campaign for student recruitment that differentiates UNT from other institutions in the DFW area?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and brand application). Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do UNT System's stated values (e.g., Excellence, Curiosity, Better Together) align with your personal work philosophy and how would you embody them in this role?" (Showcase cultural fit and self-awareness).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or team member. How did you navigate the situation to achieve a positive outcome?" (Assess interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills).

• "How do you stay current with design trends and emerging technologies like AI in design?" (Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your portfolio and its relevance to the role. For each project, present the brief, your role, the problem, your solution (design process), and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point to examples that showcase your mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud, your strategic thinking, your project management approach (mentioning Smartsheet if applicable), and any leadership experience.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Engage: Be prepared for questions about your process, design choices, and how you handle challenges. Ask insightful questions about the team, projects, and UNT's strategic communication goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also the operational acumen expected of a senior role: project leadership, strategic application, clear communication, and cultural alignment within a large, values-driven organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UNT System careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to prominently feature projects that align with the requirements of this role, particularly those involving print and digital campaigns, brand stewardship, and strategic communication within large organizations.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your four years of professional experience, mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), any team leadership or project management experience (mentioning Smartsheet if applicable), and your understanding of brand strategy. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected portfolio pieces, clearly articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and project outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with audience research and brand guidelines.

• Research UNT System: Familiarize yourself with the UNT System's mission, values, current branding, and recent communication campaigns to demonstrate your understanding of their context and goals.

⚠️ 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.