Entry Level Graduate Graphic Designer Jobs in Virginia

At Marymount University, we believe meaningful work happens when talented people come together with shared purpose. We serve not only our students-but one another-creating a culture where teamwork, adaptability, and resilience are part of everyday practice,
Located in Arlington, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Marymount offers a dynamic and forward-looking environment where innovation is encouraged and flexibility is valued. We understand that higher education is evolving, and we embrace change with creativity, responsiveness, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Our faculty and staff thrive in a community that prioritizes communication, cross-functional collaboration, and service-driven leadership. Whether working directly with students or supporting them behind the scenes, every role contributes to a shared mission: helping students grow, succeed, and lead with purpose and confidence.
We are seeking a Graphic Designer who will create compelling visual designs for Marymount University's marketing and communications channels under the direction of the Marketing Manager. This role supports the team's creative output across digital, print, social, and presentation channels while consistently applying the university's brand standards. The Graphic Designer collaborates closely with the Photo/Video Specialist, the Manager of Communications, and the Vice President on a wide range of creative projects, including enrollment marketing, advancement and campaign materials. This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career designer to grow within a high-impact university communications team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Visual Design Across Channels (45%)
• Design assets across digital, print, social, and presentation channels under the direction of the Marketing Manager.
• Apply Marymount's brand standards consistently across all deliverables.
• Support enrollment, advancement, and brand campaigns with creative production work.
• Design social media content, email graphics, web banners, and digital ads in coordination with the Marketing team.
• Produce print materials, including flyers, brochures, posters, event materials, and program collateral.
Presidential and Executive Visual Support (20%)
• Support the design of board presentations, presidential keynote slides, and executive materials under the direction of the Marketing Manager and the Manager of Communications.
• Produce visual content in support of the President's LinkedIn presence and broader thought leadership visibility.
• Partner with the Photo/Video Specialist on integrated visual content for executive communications.
• Maintain consistency of visual style across all presidential and executive-facing materials.
Campaign Production (20%)
• Execute creative production for major university campaigns, including enrollment, advancement, the capital campaign, and brand awareness initiatives.
• Adapt campaign creative across multiple formats and channels.
• Coordinate with the Marketing Manager on creative concepts and revisions.
• Translate institutional messaging into clear, compelling visual communications.
Brand Standards and Asset Management (10%)
• Maintain organized, accessible design asset libraries and brand templates.
• Apply and reinforce Marymount's brand standards across all design work.
• Build and update reusable templates for use by the team and other campus partners.
• Support colleagues across campus with appropriate use of brand assets.
Cross-Functional Collaboration (5%)
• Collaborate with the Photo/Video Specialist, Content Strategist/Writer, and Manager of • Communications on integrated content.
• Support deans, cabinet members, and academic leaders with high-priority design requests as directed by the Marketing Manager.
• Participate in creative reviews and contribute to a collaborative team culture.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/OTHER DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS:
• Stay current on design and visual communications trends.
• Provide creative input on website enhancements and digital experience improvements.
• Support special projects and university events as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Marketing Manage
• May guide or work alongside design interns or student workers.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS: Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner, and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Employees must understand the mission and demonstrate the core values of the University. Additionally, demonstrate the ability to work with diverse personalities, and a service-oriented demeanor with students, fellow employees, and the public. Employees are expected to follow and abide by all University policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Strong typography, layout, and visual storytelling skills.
• Comfort with presentation design (PowerPoint, Keynote).
• Familiarity with Figma or similar collaborative design tools.
• Ability to take creative direction and incorporate feedback effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through on production work.
• Eagerness to learn and grow within a collaborative team environment.
• Familiarity with motion graphics or basic video editing a plus.
• Print production knowledge a plus.
Education/Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field required.
• 0-3 years of professional design experience. Strong portfolios from internships, freelance work, and student leadership in design considered. Recent graduates encouraged to apply.
LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATIONS (Specify preferred or required): None, but Notary public commission helpful for some positions in this job.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support events and campaigns.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Must collaborate effectively with various departments and stakeholders across the university.
• Remote or hybrid work options may be available, subject to university policies.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office setting
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to communicate; sedentary/sit or stand for extended periods of time; use of office equipment; computer.
This position is eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, in accordance with university policies. The position is based in Arlington, Virginia, and will remain open until filled.
Compensation/Total Rewards
The salary range for this position is $58,000-$65,000. It is competitive, market-based, and aligned with the University's financial framework, ensuring your skills and experience are recognized and rewarded. But your total compensation goes well beyond your salary. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; FSA or HSA; employee assistance program; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; contributions to the University's 403(b) retirement plan; financial planning; identity theft protection; pet insurance; credit union and more. Interested in continuing your education? Our tuition remission program supports your professional growth and lifelong learning, and is also open to covered dependents. On top of that, our generous paid time off plan gives you the flexibility to recharge and maintain balance in your personal and professional life.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply via our career portal by submitting a cover letter addressing their qualifications related to the information listed above, along with a resume.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and employment verification, and other role related requirements such as motor vehicle and/or drug screening.
Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission. The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission. For more information, please visit: https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/title-ix-2/
Marymount University is an E-Verify employer. http://marymount.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/UTF-8E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es-1.pdf