Graphic Design Assistant

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Graphic Design Project Assistant to support student designers in delivering high-quality visual content for aAh! Magazine across various platforms. Responsibilities include designing print spreads, facilitating workshops, leading meetings, and providing feedback to peers. This part-time role requires strong teamwork skills and proficiency in Adobe software. Candidates must be current students at the university, ensuring creative ideas align with academic schedules.

Qualifications

• Current Manchester Met student enrolled for duration of the role.
• Experience in designing layouts for print and digital formats.
• Ability to lead and support peers in a design environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce creative work for aAh! Magazine.
• Take lead in design and layout of the print magazine.
• Chair design team meetings and facilitate discussions.
• Support peer learning and critique sessions.
• Use Adobe software to produce high-quality design outputs.

Skills

Strong organisational and communication skills

Proficiency in Adobe InDesign

Proficiency in Photoshop

Proficiency in Illustrator

Creativity and innovation

Ability to give constructive feedback

High attention to detail

Ability to work collaboratively

Job description

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role. A Graphic Design Project Assistant is sought to support the delivery of aAh! Magazine's visual identity across its online and print platforms. The role will combine hands‑on design work with leadership of a small team of volunteer student designers, helping to ensure the timely and high‑quality production of the print magazine and associated marketing materials. The post holder will be responsible for designing and laying out print spreads for the magazine, producing digital and print marketing assets, and supporting the overall creative direction of the project. Working alongside the Student Media Coordinator, they will chair design team meetings, lead and critique sessions, provide constructive feedback, and support volunteer designers to contribute confidently and effectively. The Graphic Design Project Assistant will also help facilitate workshops and skills sessions, ensuring that design work progresses smoothly and that contributors are supported to meet deadlines and project goals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and produce original creative work for aAh! Magazine, including print spreads, posters, promotional materials and digital assets
• Take a lead role in the design and layout of the print magazine, ensuring consistency with the publication's visual identity
• Chair regular design team meetings and lead discussions to coordinate workloads and timelines
• Encourage and support volunteer designers to contribute to magazine spreads and other design outputs
• Lead group critique sessions, offering clear, constructive feedback to support skill development
• Develop and communicate clear design briefs for student and freelance contributors
• Facilitate workshops and practical sessions to support the progression of design work
• Use industry‑standard software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator to produce high‑quality design outputs
• Work collaboratively with the editorial team and Student Media Coordinator to meet production deadlines
• Motivate and support creative peers, ensuring a positive and productive working environment

Eligibility

This role is only open to current Manchester Met Students who meet the following requirements:

Requirements

• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to lead and motivate fellow student designers
• The ability to produce high‑quality, engaging designs for a range of print and digital outputs
• Experience of designing layouts and working with print formats
• Confidence in giving constructive feedback and supporting peer learning
• The ability to work proactively as part of a creative team, including setting and responding to design briefs
• Excellent IT skills, particularly using Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator
• Creativity, innovation and a strong visual eye
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• A positive, collaborative approach and willingness to support others' development

Additional Information

Dates: February 2026 – May 2026

Hours of Work: 10 hours per week, Wednesdays 3–6 pm with other hours flexible around studies

Details of briefing/training: Full briefing will be provided

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.