Entry Level Visual Communication Design Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

The Graphic Design Student Worker provides creative design support for the Student Engagement Department and the MAD (Marketing & Advertising Design) Team. This position works with project owners and department partners to transform their communication and marketing needs into engaging, visually effective design materials.

This role is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience in graphic design, visual communication, brand development, and professional creative workflows. Students will work on real-world projects that support GCU student engagement initiatives while developing their creative skills, professional portfolio, communication abilities, and understanding of the design process.

The Graphic Design Student Worker will collaborate with the MAD Team and Student Engagement staff to understand project needs, develop design solutions, receive and apply feedback, and deliver polished creative work that aligns with established brand and communication standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create graphic design materials for Student Engagement events, programs, campaigns, and initiatives based on project requests and established creative direction.

• Translate project needs and messaging provided by campaign owners into clear, engaging, and visually effective designs.

• Develop digital and print materials including social media graphics, event promotions, flyers, posters, digital signage, presentations, email graphics, and other marketing collaterals.

• Follow GCU brand guidelines, visual standards, and established design systems when creating materials.

• Collaborate with campaign owners to understand project goals, audience, messaging, deliverables, and deadlines.

• Participate in the design review process and apply feedback thoughtfully and professionally.

• Prepare final design files for digital and print use, ensuring appropriate formatting, sizing, resolution, and file organization.

• Maintain organized design files, templates, assets, and project documentation.

• Assist with adapting existing designs into different sizes, formats, and platforms while maintaining visual consistency.

• Collaborate with other MAD Team members, including graphic designers, videographers, and departmental staff, on projects assigned.

• Communicate project progress, questions, challenges, and deadlines with the Student Engagement Project Coordinator and appropriate campaign owners.

• Manage multiple design assignments while prioritizing deadlines and responding to changing project needs.

• Demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, professionalism, and a willingness to receive and implement constructive feedback.

• Continue developing knowledge of current design practices, tools, trends, and visual communication techniques.

• Build professional experience and portfolio-ready work through participation in real-world Student Engagement projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES: None.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to successfully perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General Requirements

• Demonstrate professionalism while representing Grand Canyon University.

• Maintain confidentiality when handling departmental information.

• Work both independently and collaboratively.

• Be available to work approximately 10 hours per week during the academic year.

• Ability to work both in-office and remotely depending on project needs.

• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, grow, and accept constructive feedback.

• Communicate professionally with campaign owners, Student Engagement staff, and other members of the MAD Team.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong visual communication and graphic design skills.

• Understanding design principles including typography, layout, hierarchy, color, composition, and branding.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce polished, professional work.

• Ability to interpret project requirements and translate them into effective visual solutions.

• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet established deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to receive, interpret, and implement creative feedback.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.

• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

• Ability to learn new design tools, technology, and workflows.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and/or InDesign.

• Familiarity with Canva or other digital design platforms is a plus.

• Understanding of social media and digital design specifications is preferred.

• Basic knowledge of preparing files for print and digital platforms is preferred.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Grand Canyon University student in good academic standing.

• Pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, Advertising, Marketing, Digital Design, or related field.

• Demonstrated interest in graphic design and visual communication.

• Basic proficiency with graphic design software.

• Ability to provide a portfolio, samples of design work, or examples of relevant creative projects.

• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.

• Willingness to learn and contribute to a collaborative creative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience creating graphics for social media, events, organizations, or marketing initiatives.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Experience creating both digital and print design materials.

• Experience working with brand guidelines or established visual identities.

• Previous internship, freelance, student organization, campus employment, or professional design experience.

• Experience receiving and implementing feedback in a creative or professional environment.

Experience/Education:
Grand Canyon University is committed to a student first policy. Therefore, all applicants must meet the
following eligibility requirements to be considered for student employment:
Enrolled at GCU as a full-time student in a Bachelor's program or Master's program.
Retain a 2.0 GPA as a Bachelor level student or a 3.0 GPA as a Master level student.
Maintain good financial and academic (SAP) standing with the University.
You may be subject to termination if you fall below the minimum requirements.

Pay Rate: Minimum Wage
Anticipated End Date: June 30, 2027