Graphic Design Assistant

Designer Jobs; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Utah is seeking a Graphic Design Student Assistant to support donor engagement campaigns and fundraising communications. You will create layouts, graphics, and assets for print, email, and digital media under the supervision of the Associate Director of Communications.

The role offers hands-on experience, portfolio-building opportunities, and collaboration with the Campaigns and Communications team in a supportive environment on campus at Salt Lake City.

Qualifications

• Must be a current University of Utah student.
• Major 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 creative concepts under supervision.
• Design donor-facing materials for campaigns and year-round appeals.
• Implement feedback for graphics, layouts, and typefaces before finalizing designs.
• Ensure designs align with university brand standards and campaign guidelines.
• Maintain visual consistency across donor communications and materials.
• Use Adobe Creative Cloud to create designs for print, email, web, and social media.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Communication

Project management

Self-motivation

Detail-oriented

Ability to work independently and with

Curious and eager to learn

Education

Current University of Utah student

Graphic Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Job description

Position Overview

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

This paid, part-time position provides hands‑on experience in real-world marketing campaigns. You will work on projects that reach thousands of alumni, donors, students, and community members, learn print production and digital design best practices, and build your professional portfolio in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• 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
• Ensure 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 and fundraising creative
• Use Adobe Creative Cloud 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
• Support 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
• 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 Cloud software or related system
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
• Self‑motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Work Schedule, Type, and Pay

• Location: Campus, Salt Lake City, UT
• Type: Non Benefited Staff / Student
• FLSA Code: Nonexempt
• Patient Sensitive Job Code: No
• Temporary: No
• Standard Hours per Week: 19
• Full Time or Part Time: Part Time
• Shift: Day
• Work Schedule Summary: Mostly during the day and will work around class schedules. Hours vary between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday
• Is this a work study job: No
• Pay Rate Range: $15.50

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