Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer

The Graphic Designer develops and executes visually compelling design projects for Associated Students (A.S.), focusing on both print and digital media, including motion graphics, interactive media, and brand-aligned social media content. This role plays a vital part inenhancing A.S. programs, services, and events through innovative and engaging design solutions while ensuring consistency in branding and communication strategies. The Graphic Designer will work collaboratively within the A.S. Marketing Department, coordinating with multimedia, web, and social mediateams to develop cohesive campaigns that enhance campus engagement and visibility.

Essential Functions

• Develop and design marketing materials for print and digital media, including posters, flyers, brochures, banners, annual reports, promotional giveaways, and branded merchandise.
• Create digital-first content such as social media graphics, animated advertisements, GIFs, motion-based designs, and other interactive media.
• Assist in brand identity development by ensuring consistency in typography, color schemes, and design language across all A.S. materials.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing & Communications Manager, Multimedia Assistant, Web & Social Media Assistant, and Marketing Coordinator to execute cross-platform marketing campaigns.
• Utilize emerging AI-powered design tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Adobe AI Generative Tools, MidJourney, Canva AI, and other platforms as applicable) to streamline workflow efficiency.
• Maintain awareness of print production processes, including pre-press preparation, proofing, and working with vendors. (Print production knowledge is preferred but not required, as training will be provided.)
• Manage multiple projects efficiently while meeting deadlines and addressing feedback from A.S. staff, student leaders, and campus partners.
• Stay up to date with current industry trends, marketing psychology, and Gen Z audience engagement strategies.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Initiative and Collaboration: The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who takes initiative in improving both personal workflows and team processes. They are encouraged to contribute ideas for enhancing efficiency, developing creative solutions, and collaborating effectively within the A.S. Marketing Department to strengthen the organization as a whole.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects).
• Familiarity with Figma, Canva, CapCut, and other industry-standard tools for both print and digital design.
• Basic understanding of UX/UI (User Experience/User Interface) design principles and accessibility compliance (ADA, WCAG). (Not required, as training will be provided, but familiarity is a plus.)
• Ability to practice branding and creative strategy, contributing to the development of marketing campaigns and creative problem-solving initiatives.
• Knowledge of social media trends, platform-specific design best practices, and content strategy for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Strong conceptual and critical thinking skills to translate marketing needs into effective visual storytelling.
• Excellent time management and multitasking abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Capacity to work effectively in a collaborative environment, including taking direction and incorporating feedback constructively.
• Cultural competency and inclusivity in design, ensuring visuals are accessible and representative of SJSU's diverse student population.

Work Environment, Hours and Physical Demands

• This job operates in an office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.
• Part-time work hours are Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on academic schedules. (Flexibility is earned through consistent good work and prompt deliverables.)
• While event attendance is not required outside of work hours, designers are encouraged to attend events to develop client and team relations.
• The position allows for hybrid work opportunities when appropriate, determined by project needs and work performance.
• Must be able to operate a computer, including a keyboard, mouse, and phone.
• Must be able to occasionally transport marketing materials and supplies (up to 40 lbs.). Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

Industry Trends & Best Practices

To ensure the A.S. Graphic Designer role remains competitive and aligned with modern industry standards, candidates should be aware of the following trends:

• Motion Graphics & Interactive Media: Marketing teams now prioritize video content over static graphics. Proficiency in After Effects, Premiere Pro, and animation tools is a plus.
• Social Media Design Experience: Candidates should understand Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube branding. Micro-content design (GIFs, animated posts, carousel ads) is highly valued.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity in Design: Knowledge of color contrast, alt text, and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is increasingly necessary.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Designers are expected to work closely with social media managers, content strategists, and marketing coordinators to create impactful campaigns.
• AI & Automation in Design: Tools like Adobe Firefly, MidJourney, Canva AI, and other emerging technologies can help automate repetitive design tasks and optimize workflow efficiency. While not required, familiarity with these tools—or an understanding of how AI can be utilized as an aiding tool—is encouraged to enhance creative workflows.

Required Meetings & Training

• Weekly Department Meetings: Fridays (schedule may adjust based on team availability)
• Marketing Department Staff Training: Bi-semester professional development sessions (dates TBD and communicated in advance)
• CMEG Student Assistant Training: Full-day orientation sessions for all CMEG department student staff (CCCAC, Marketing, Events, Garden)
  • Fall 2026: August 18, 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Spring 2027: January (date and time TBD)

Required or Preferred Education and Experience

• Must be a matriculated SJSU student in good academic standing.
• Pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, Animation/Illustration, Digital Media, Marketing, Communication, or a related field.
• Candidates must be able to provide examples of their best work that demonstrate expertise in both print and digital media, along with a solid foundation in graphic design principles, typography, and layout.
• Experience in social media design, branding, and motion graphics is highly desirable.
• Prior freelance, internship, or student organization design experience is beneficial but not required.
• Must be a matriculated SJSU student in good academic standing.

Other Duties

• This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on department needs, and additional tasks may be assigned as necessary.
• Employees are encouraged to take initiative in identifying improvements for personal workflows, team processes, and overall organizational efficiencies.

Notes to Applicants

All Associated Students employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than September 30, 2021, unless they are exempt from this requirement because an exemption has been granted based on a medical contraindication or sincerely held religious beliefs. Fully vaccinated means that an individual has received all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that has received Emergency Use Authorization or full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that it has been at least two weeks since the final recommended dose.

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

This position may be exposed to sensitive or personal information and is required to comply with the requirements set forth by the Integrated CSU Administrative Manual 8000 series and Associated Students Information Security Standards as a condition of employment.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily after a conditional offer of employment. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect a conditional offer of employment.

Equal Employment Statement

Associated Students provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion