Graphic Design Assistant

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Utah seeks a Creative Graphic Design Student Assistant to support Institutional Fundraising, aiding the Campaigns and Communications team with layouts, content graphics, and concepts for donor-facing materials.

Under the Associate Director of Communications, you will produce print and digital collateral, ensure brand consistency, and learn print production while contributing to Giving Days and other campaigns.

Qualifications

• Must be a current University of Utah student.
• Student majoring in Graphic Design or related field.
• 1–2 years of classwork or non-professional experience with Adobe Creative Cloud software.

Responsibilities

• Develop layouts, content and concepts under supervision.
• Design donor-facing materials for campaigns (Giving Days, Welcome U, Giving Tuesday).
• Prepare assets for print vendors and digital platforms.
• Maintain brand and campaign consistency across materials.

Skills

Creative

Strong communication

Typography & layout

Attention to detail

Project management

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Education

Graphic Design major

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Job description

Job Summary

University Advancement’s Institutional Fundraising is seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and motivated Graphic Design Student Assistant to join and help elevate the University of Utah’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. Working under the supervision of the Associate Director of Communications, this position supports the Campaigns and Communications team’s creative needs across institutional fundraising campaigns, including Giving Days, Welcome U, Giving Tuesday, and other donor-facing initiatives.

This position’s responsibilities include developing layouts, content graphics, and concepts while ensuring brand and campaign consistency; produce donor-facing collateral for both print and digital formats; and prepare files for print vendors and digital platforms. This role is for you, if you enjoy being creative, have strong communication skills, typographic and layout skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of how design supports fundraising goals.

As a paid, part-time position, this opportunity gives you hands‑on experience in real‑world marketing campaigns, work on projects that reach thousands of alumni, donors, students, and community members, learn print production and digital design best practices all while supporting the U’s mission and building your professional portfolio in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Responsibilities

Design & Concept Support

• Develop layouts, content, and creative concepts under the direction of the Associate Director of Communications
• Design donor-facing materials for campaigns such as Giving Days, Welcome U, Giving Tuesday, and year‑round fundraising appeals
• Implement feedback for graphics, layouts, and typefaces before designs are finalized
• Brand & Campaign Consistency
• Ensure all designs align with university brand standards and campaign guidelines
• Maintain visual consistency across donor communications, campaign materials, and stewardship pieces
• Stay current on graphic design trends, techniques, software, and best practices in nonprofit/fundraising creative

Print Production

• Use Adobe Creative Cloud software to create and finalize designs for print, email, web, and social media
• Prepare press‑ready files based on supplied specifications for print vendors and digital platforms
• Understand basic printing processes for mailers, event signage, and stewardship materials

Digital & Content Production

• Support the creation of campaign toolkits (social graphics, email headers, signage, one‑pagers) used across the university
• Produce donor‑facing collateral for both print and digital formats including flyers, postcards, brochures, tabling materials, swag, logos, infographics and more

Project Management

• Follow development timelines to ensure campaign assets are completed ahead of key giving dates
• Multitask and manage time across multiple concurrent campaigns
• Maintain naming conventions and version control
• Prepare assets for developers, printers, and email platforms
• Participate in campaign brainstorming sessions
• Collaborate with the Campaigns and Communications team and other campus stakeholders as needed
• Catalog and archive campaign graphics for reuse in future fundraising efforts

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a current University of Utah student.
• Current University of Utah student majoring in Graphic Design or related field
• 1-2 years of classwork or non-professional experience working with Adobe Creative Could software or related system
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment quality
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn
• Positive attitude, professionalism, and adaptability
• Ability to receive and apply feedback effectively and continuously improve
• Curious and eager to expand design, storytelling, and marketing knowledge
• Committed to professional growth through continuous learning and collaboration

Preferences

• A portfolio of completed graphics and designs
• Experience as a graphic designer, including freelance or coursework projects
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Familiarity with brand guideline systems or style guides

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]