Graphic Design Specialist

Job Title
Graphic Design Specialist

Job Description

The Graphic Design Specialist supports Wilkes Community College and the WCC Foundation by designing, producing, and distributing highquality visual materials for the College, Foundation initiatives, and MerleFest, the Colleges nationally recognized music festival. This position develops digital and print graphics, signage, promotional items, social media assets, and event materials that support branding, marketing, fundraising, and community engagement efforts. The Graphic Design Specialist collaborates closely with the Marketing & Communications team, campus departments, and MerleFest staff to ensure consistent visual identity and timely delivery of all creative materials.

The Graphic Design Specialist reports directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Full Time or Part Time
Full Time

Essential Duties Summary

Responsible for the creative development, production, and implementation of visual communications that support Wilkes Community College, the Wilkes Community College Foundation, The Walker Center, MerleFest, and other college initiatives as assigned by the Director of Marketing and Communications

Duties include:

1. Design brochures, flyers, postcards, catalogs, posters, banners, signage, annual reports, invitations, promotional items, apparel graphics, vehicle graphics, social media and website graphics, and other collateral.
2. Develop creative concepts that effectively communicate institutional messaging while maintaining consistency with the Colleges visual identity and brand standards.
3. Design graphics for special events including MerleFest, The Walker Center, Foundation events, commencement, and college-wide initiatives.
4. Basic knowledge of building animated graphics, GIFs, and basic motion graphics to enhance digital communications.
5. Assist with photography during campus events, student activities, and marketing initiatives.
6. Edit, retouch, and optimize photography for print and digital use.
7. Ensure all visual communications comply with the Colleges branding and graphic identity standards.
8. Prepare print-ready and digital production files using industry-standard specifications and coordinate with commercial printers, promotional vendors, sign manufacturers, apparel vendors, and other outside suppliers.
9. Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting established deadlines, while maintaining organized digital project files and archives.
10. Other duties as specified by supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Graphic Design is required.
• Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Pro).
• Strong understanding of layout, typography, color, and visual composition.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work extended hours during MerleFest and major events.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelors degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field is preferred.

 

Physical Demands

Work Conditions:
Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires regular use of computers, design software, and production-related equipment. The position involves frequent collaboration with College employees, Foundation personnel, vendors, and event partners to support marketing, communications, fundraising, and special event initiatives.


The work schedule may vary based on departmental needs, project timelines, and major College events. Periods of increased activity may occur leading up to MerleFest, major campaigns, commencement, and other college-wide initiatives. This position requires flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended hours during peak periods.


Onsite responsibilities during MerleFest and other special events may include work in outdoor settings, across festival or event grounds, and in areas with varying weather conditions, large crowds, and elevated noise levels.


Essential functions of this position require effective communication, organizational skills, manual dexterity, attention to detail, the ability to operate standard office equipment, and the mobility to move through uneven terrain.

• Ability to perform work at a computer workstation for extended periods, including frequent use of a keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, students, vendors, event partners, and members of the public in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
• Ability to move throughout campus facilities and event locations to attend meetings, provide event support, and complete assigned duties.
• Ability to operate graphic design, printing, finishing, and production equipment, including printers, laminators, cutters, cameras, and related equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, move, and install signage, displays, promotional materials, and event-related items weighing up to 30 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform some duties outdoors and traverse uneven terrain during special events, including MerleFest, in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, and climb short distances as necessary to support event setup, installations, photography assignments, and related activities.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and extended hours to support College events, marketing initiatives, and festival operations.

 

Salary Grade

 

Salary
Salary Range: $36,000 to $46,000 (12 months) based on education and experience in accordance with the college salary plan.

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