Job Detail

Job Details

Graphic Artist I
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Job ID	75416
Job Funding Source	Work-Study, Non-Work-Study, Remote
Employer	LSA Digital Studies Institute
Category	Professional/Administrative
Job Description	The DISCO (Digital Inquiry, Speculation, Critique, and Optimism) Network housed with the University of Michigan’s LSA Digital Studies Institute is seeking a University of Michigan undergraduate or graduate student to serve as a Graphic Designer. Reporting to the DISCO Network Program Coordinator, the Graphic Designer role will help support the communications portfolio of the DISCO Network for the 2026 - 2027 academic year. This includes the design of flyers, thumbnails, graphics, promotional materials, and other digital assets. In addition, this role will help support the design and maintenance of a project website and email campaigns. This position averages approximately 5 hours per week. Work hours and workload may vary throughout the academic year based on project needs. About the DISCO Network The DISCO Network is a collective of interdisciplinary researchers working to envision a new anti-racist and anti-ableist digital future. Housed within the Digital Studies Institute at the University of Michigan, the DISCO Network is led by a team of four faculty members across four universities: Lisa Nakamura (University of Michigan), Rayvon Fouché, (Northwestern University, Director of Humanity and Technoscience Lab), M. Remi Yergeau (Carleton University, Director of Digital Accessible Futures Lab), and Catherine Knight Steele (University of Maryland, Director of Black Communication and Technology Lab). Together, the DISCO Network supports collaborative research and writing projects; organizes panel discussions, workshops, symposia, performances, and other public events; provides mentorship opportunities for underserved scholars in digital studies; and produces innovative research addressing critical issues at the intersection of technology and social justice. Each faculty member directs a research lab that contributes to the network's shared mission. For more information, please visit our website (www.disconetwork.org). Responsibilities: Create engaging, visually appealing, and accessible graphics and flyers for the DISCO Network using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other design software. Develop and write accurate alt-text, captions, and descriptions to correspond with social media and website content and ensure digital accessibility and audience engagement. Support the design and maintenance of a project website using Squarespace. Support the design and production of a regular newsletter and other email campaigns using Mailchimp. Collaborate with team members to ensure branding consistency across materials. Provide staffing support for DISCO Network events as needed.
Educational Value	The student will gain hands-on experience designing original graphics and digital communications materials for a grant-funded project, while also building skills in website design and maintainance and email campaign development. They will also gain experience developing accessible and inclusive digital communications for a project focused on themes of technology and social justice. In addition, the student will work closely with a supervisor and strengthen transferrable professional skills, such as project management, effective communication, and incorporation of feedback.
Job Requirements	Required Qualifications: Demonstrated experience creating original graphic designs, flyers, and other visual content using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other design software; applicants must submit a portfolio containing 3–5 design samples. Experience writing clear and accessible alt text, captions, and descriptive text that complements visual content, or the ability to quickly learn how to effectively do so. Experience with website builders and email marketing platforms (e.g., Squarespace and Mailchimp), or the ability to quickly learn how to effectively use such tools. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to receive, incorporate, and respond constructively to feedback. Comfort working in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities and multiple projects. Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently while meeting required deadlines. Desired Qualifications: A background in accessible and inclusive design. An interest in digital studies and/or the intersection of technology and social justice.
Hourly Rate	$20.00/hour to $25.00/hour
Hours	5.0 hours per week
Time Frame	Fall/Winter
Start Date	Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The expected start date for the position is mid-August 2026.
End Date	The position will end at the end of the2026-2027 academic year, with a possibility for an extension depending on performance and project needs.
Primary Contact	Cherice Chan
Primary Contact's Email	chericec@umich.edu
Supervisor	Cherice Chan, DISCO Network Program Coordinator
Work Location	Weekly meetings with the supervisor will take place in-person at the Digital Studies Institute office on Central Campus (G333 Mason Hall). All other work can be done in-person or remotely, depending on the preference of the student.
Phone	N/A
Fax	N/A