Graphic Design Specialist

Position Information

Job Title Graphic Design Specialist

The Graphic Design Specialist supports Wilkes Community College and the WCC Foundation by designing, producing, and distributing high-quality visual materials for the College, Foundation initiatives, and Merle Fest, the College’s 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 Merle Fest 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

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

Duties include:

• 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.
• Develop creative concepts that effectively communicate institutional messaging while maintaining consistency with the College’s visual identity and brand standards.
• Design graphics for special events including Merle Fest, The Walker Center, Foundation events, commencement, and college-wide initiatives.
• Basic knowledge of building animated graphics, GIFs, and basic motion graphics to enhance digital communications.
• Assist with photography during campus events, student activities, and marketing initiatives.
• Edit, retouch, and optimize photography for print and digital use.
• Ensure all visual communications comply with the College’s branding and graphic identity standards.
• 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.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting established deadlines, while maintaining organized digital project files and archives.
• Other duties as specified by supervisor.

• 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 Merle Fest and major events.

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

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 Merle Fest, 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 Merle Fest 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,…