aAh! Magazine Graphic Design Assistant

Job description

Job Description

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role.

A Graphic Design Project Assistant is sought to support the delivery of aAh! Magazine's visual identity across its online and print platforms. The role will combine hands-on design work with leadership of a small team of volunteer student designers, helping to ensure the timely and high-quality production of the print magazine and associated marketing materials.

The post holder will be responsible for designing and laying out print spreads for the magazine, producing digital and print marketing assets, and supporting the overall creative direction of the project. Working alongside the Student Media Coordinator, they will chair design team meetings, lead production and critique ("crit") sessions, provide constructive feedback, and support volunteer designers to contribute confidently and effectively.

The Graphic Design Project Assistant will also help facilitate workshops and skills sessions, ensuring that design work progresses smoothly and that contributors are supported to meet deadlines and project goals.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Design and produce original creative work for aAh! Magazine, including print spreads, posters, promotional materials and digital assets
• Take a lead role in the design and layout of the print magazine, ensuring consistency with the publication's visual identity
• Chair regular design team meetings and lead discussions to coordinate workloads and timelines
• Encourage and support volunteer designers to contribute to magazine spreads and other design outputs
• Lead group critique ("crit") sessions, offering clear, constructive feedback to support skill development
• Develop and communicate clear design briefs for student and freelance contributors
• Facilitate workshops and practical sessions to support the progression of design work
• Use industry-standard software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator to produce high-quality design outputs
• Work collaboratively with the editorial team and Student Media Coordinator to meet production deadlines
• Motivate and support creative peers, ensuring a positive and productive working environment

Dates: October 2026 - December 2026

Hours of Work: 6 hours per week, including Wednesdays 3-5pm with other hours flexible around studies

Details of briefing/training: Full briefing will be provided

Person Specification

This role is only open to current Manchester Met Students who meet the following requirements:

• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to lead and motivate fellow student designers
• The ability to produce high-quality, engaging designs for a range of print and digital outputs
• Experience of designing layouts and working with print formats
• Confidence in giving constructive feedback and supporting peer learning
• The ability to work proactively as part of a creative team, including setting and responding to design briefs
• Excellent IT skills, particularly using Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator
• Creativity, innovation and a strong visual eye
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• A positive, collaborative approach and willingness to support others' development

How to Apply

Please apply via the Apply button, completing the form on the next page.

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Sunday 18 October 2026

Please be aware that roles may close earlier than the stated closing date, where a high number of applications are received. To ensure you have an opportunity to apply, please do so as soon as possible.

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive recruitment. If you require or would benefit from support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in work, please contact us by e-mailing [email protected]. This information will only be used and shared with those who require it to implement any change(s) and only at the point this is required.

If you have any queries, or need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.