- Job Title: Graphic Design Specialist, MDCPS Office of Communications
- Company: Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS)
- Location: Miami, Florida, United States
- Job Type: On-site, Full-time
- Category: Education
- Date Posted: May 16, 2025
- Experience Level: 2-5 years of experience
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
1. Creative Design: Develop, design, and produce comprehensive communication and graphic materials for M-DCPS.
2. Multimedia Production: Design and create motion graphics, videos, and digital content for various communication vehicles.
3. Photography & Videography: Capture events and create visual content for marketing materials.
4. Collaboration: Work closely with stakeholders to ensure materials align with M-DCPS branding and messaging.
5. Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and quality standards are maintained.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong creative background, proficiency in relevant software, and excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Graphic Design (70%): Create and design visual content for various M-DCPS publications, advertisements, and promotional materials.
- Motion Graphics & Video Production (20%): Develop and produce high-quality motion graphics, videos, and digital content for multimedia and social media platforms.
- Photography & Videography (5%): Capture events and create visual content for marketing materials, ensuring correct optimization for chosen dissemination.
- Project Management (5%): Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and quality standards are maintained.
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of creative and project management tasks. The ideal candidate will be able to balance both aspects effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Fine Art, Graphic Art, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field may be considered.
- Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in graphic design and computer-assisted graphics.
- Skills:
- Strong design and conceptual skills.
- Extensive knowledge in software required for production, including but not limited to Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both in oral and written forms.
- Proficiency in project management tools and techniques.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail and quality assurance skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in education or non-profit sector.
- Familiarity with M-DCPS branding and communication guidelines.
- Proficiency in additional software relevant to the role.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates must provide a portfolio of work for review during the selection process. Preferred candidates will have experience in the education sector and familiarity with M-DCPS branding.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $47,771 - $81,624 per year (based on experience level and role requirements)
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility for event coverage as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the role, experience level, and industry standards. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and M-DCPS internal salary calculations.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Education
- Company Size: 10,001+ employees
- Founded: 1885
- Company Description: M-DCPS is the largest school district in Florida and the third largest in the United States, serving over 335,500 students from over 160 countries. It is an A-rated district with a tradition of groundbreaking achievement and top recognition at the national and international levels.
- Company Specialties: K-12 Education, Special Education, English Language Learners, Career & Technical Education, Adult Education, and Community Outreach.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-career level with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.
- Reporting Structure: The Graphic Design Specialist will report directly to the District Director, Administrative/Professional Technical Staffing.
- Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with standard working hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility for event coverage as needed.
- Growth Opportunities: This role offers opportunities for career advancement within the M-DCPS communications department and the broader organization.
ASSUMPTION: The role provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization. Candidates should be prepared to take on additional responsibilities and seek out growth opportunities as they arise.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: On-site, with a modern and collaborative work environment.
- Office Location: 1450 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132, United States
- Geographic Context: Miami, Florida, is a multicultural city with a diverse population and a vibrant arts and culture scene. It offers a subtropical climate and numerous recreational opportunities.
- Work Schedule: Standard working hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility for event coverage as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork. Candidates should be comfortable working in a busy, high-pressure setting and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Applicants will be screened based on their application documents. Candidates who pass the screening will be invited to complete a written essay and participate in an initial interview. Successful candidates in the initial interview will be invited to a final interview, where they will also be required to provide a reference evaluation from their immediate supervisor.
- Key Assessment Areas: Experience, job knowledge, reasoning and decision-making skills, ability to present ideas effectively, ability to communicate in written form, and cultural fit.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best graphic design and multimedia projects.
- Research M-DCPS and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the organization's mission and values.
- Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your approach to graphic design, project management, and working with stakeholders.
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experiences effectively throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Photography and videography equipment (e.g., DSLR cameras, video cameras, lighting equipment)
- Video and photo editing software (e.g., Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Lightroom)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in the listed tools and technologies and be prepared to demonstrate their skills during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: M-DCPS values include integrity, respect, diversity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to these values.
- Work Style: The ideal candidate will be creative, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. They should also be a strong communicator, able to work effectively in a team environment, and adaptable to change.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your design and communication skills align with M-DCPS's branding and messaging?
- How do you approach managing multiple projects simultaneously, and ensuring quality standards are maintained?
- How do you incorporate feedback and make revisions to your work?
- How do you collaborate effectively with stakeholders to ensure materials align with M-DCPS's branding and messaging?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their alignment with M-DCPS's values and work style during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Workload: The role may involve managing multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and organizational skills.
- Deadlines: Projects may have tight deadlines, requiring candidates to be able to work efficiently under pressure.
- Budget Constraints: Candidates must be able to work within budget constraints and determine cost-effectiveness of production needs.
- Stakeholder Management: The role requires effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, which can be challenging at times.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would manage these challenges effectively in the interview process.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Graphic Designer vs. Graphic Design Specialist: The Graphic Design Specialist role requires more experience, a broader skill set, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. It also involves more collaboration with stakeholders and a greater emphasis on project management.
- Education Sector vs. Corporate Sector: The education sector often has more stringent branding guidelines and a greater emphasis on community engagement. However, the role of a Graphic Design Specialist is similar across sectors, with a focus on visual communication and storytelling.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss the differences and similarities between these roles and how their skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Branding Campaign: Develop a comprehensive branding campaign for a new M-DCPS initiative, including logo design, color scheme, typography, and style guide.
- Event Promotion: Create promotional materials for an M-DCPS event, including invitations, posters, social media graphics, and email campaigns.
- Multimedia Production: Produce a promotional video for an M-DCPS program, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, filming, editing, and motion graphics.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to these sample projects and how they would tailor their designs to meet M-DCPS's branding and communication guidelines.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most significant challenges facing M-DCPS's communications department, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for M-DCPS?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does M-DCPS support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most important qualities for someone to succeed in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the organization.
📝 Next Steps for Applicants
- To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best graphic design and multimedia projects.
- Research M-DCPS and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the organization's mission and values.
- Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your approach to graphic design, project management, and working with stakeholders.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
