Graphic Design & Social Media Content Specialist - Communications Specialist 1

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; Hutchinson (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Ridgewater College in Willmar is seeking a dual-focus Graphic Designer & Social Media Content Specialist to develop and coordinate digital materials, increase brand awareness, and support student recruitment.

The role serves as the college’s production designer for digital publications, displays, and marketing materials, while also crafting organic video and image content for TikTok and Instagram. A strong eye for cohesive cross‑platform visuals is essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional graphic design and layout production for print and digital
• Proficient with Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva
• Experience creating vertical video/content for TikTok and Instagram
• Mobile/desktop video editing with CapCut or Premiere Pro
• Knowledge of digital accessibility requirements for visual materials

Responsibilities

• Graphic design and production of materials for print and digital
• Brand coordination and asset management
• Social media content creation and coordination
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Graphic design

TikTok content

Instagram content

Mobile-first content

Video editing

Accessibility

Education

Associate degree in graphic design or related field

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Canva

CapCut

Premiere Pro

Job description

Working Title: Graphic Design & Social Media Content Specialist - Communications Specialist 1

Job Class: Communications Specialist 1

Agency: Minnesota State

• Job ID: 97774
• Location: Willmar
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/16/2026
• Closing Date: 11/05/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN St Colleges & Universities / Willmar CC-MAPE
• Division/Unit: MnSCU Ridgewater Willmar TC / MnSCU Rdgwtr Willmar TC Class
• Appointment Type: Unlimited, Full-time
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Typically (8:00 am- 4:30 pm) - with a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, 30%
• Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Under the strategic direction of the Director of Recruiting and Communications and the Director of Marketing, the Graphic Designer & Social Media Content Specialist develops, produces, and coordinates internal and external visual and digital materials to increase brand awareness of Ridgewater College and support student recruitment.

This dual-focus position serves as the college’s production graphic designer—producing digital publications, displays, signage, and marketing materials—while also acting as the primary organic digital storyteller. The Specialist is responsible for the creation and scheduling of organic videos, photo, and social content (with an emphasis on TikTok and Instagram). By combining creative layout expertise with agile mobile content editing and curation, this position ensures a cohesive visual identity across print and digital platforms.

Principle Responsibilities & Duties

• Graphic Design & Production (this role focuses on the technical and creative execution of materials)
• Brand Coordination & Asset Management
• Social Media Content Creation & Coordination
• Other Duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

(required skills to enter the job; must be identified on application materials)

• Minimum of 2 of professional experience in graphic design and layout production for both print and digital mediums. An associate degree can substitute as 6 months of professional experience and a bachelor’s degree can substitute as 1 year of professional experience.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools (such as Adobe Creative Cloud) and collaborative platforms like Canva.
• Demonstrated experience creating organic, mobile-first, short‑form vertical video and photography specified tailed for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
• Proficient with mobile and desktop video editing applications (e.g., CapCut, PremierPro) to quickly package raw footage and assets.
• Knowledge of digital accessibility requirements and how to design compliant visual materials.

Preferred Qualifications (desired But Not Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or digital media.
• Prior experience working in a marketing, communications, or recruiting department within a higher education institution or a community/technical college.
• Proven ability to function as a “content hub” – curating, editing, and packaging raw photos, b‑roll, and updates submitted by other stakeholders.
• Strong technical knowledge of professional printing terminology, preparing layout specifications, and reviewing/approving printer proofs.
• Experience tracking, evaluating, and translating organic social media metrics (engagement, follower growth, view-through rates) into streamlined monthly performance snapshots for leadership.
• Experience serving as a primary brand voice, managing platform permissions/passwords securely, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure cross‑platform visual consistency.

Job Requirement

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Felicia Telecky at [e-mail] or 320‑234‑8534.

About Minnesota State

Institution Information

MISSION

Ridgewater College empowers diverse learners to reach their full potential and enrich their lives through personalized and relevant education in an accessible, supportive, and inclusive environment.

VISION

Ridgewater College is a student‑centered educational leader focused on innovation, excellence, and affordability.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• Enterprising - We are future‑focused, and change‑oriented, developing creative solutions to challenges that maximize our institutional, system and local resources.
• Empowerment – We develop and empower employees to make decisions to best serve students and stakeholders.
• Excellence – We strive to exceed expectations in all that we do.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – We seek to understand and appreciate the needs and experiences of every individual and actively work to provide genuine opportunities for everyone to succeed and participate in college activities and processes.
• Trust and Respect – We are committed to developing a culture based in processes and behavior that create trust and respect among all stakeholders.
• Collaboration – We connect and work together to achieve common goals while respecting needs and interests of stakeholders.
• Curiosity and Creativity – We constantly strive to understand, learn, change, and improve.
• Accountability – As individuals and groups, we willingly accept and take ownership of our successes and failures.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Other Information

Employment information for this position can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document at http://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/Labor/.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State is an equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.