About The Role

Responsible for: design leadership and independently developed creative and innovative concepts for high-priority projects as assigned; adherence to the university’s visual identity guidelines and a champion for the brand; complex graphic layouts and innovative designs; in-depth expert client consultations and professional advice for university communications; feature concept and design development for The Bridge magazine as assigned; visual design support for the University website and other digital communications; photography for print, web and other digital communications as assigned; art directing and coordinating assigned photo shoots; serving as creative director’s assistant as needed; mentoring and supervising the department’s design work study student; creative problem-solving; staying current in design trends and technology for print and digital environments.

Primary Duties

Independently create sound and innovative creative concepts for high priority projects. Proactively recommend, create and execute complex and conceptually creative graphic layouts and designs for print and web. Consult with campus clients on visual communication design and delivery options for both print and digital communications. Ensure adherence to institutional visual design standards. Stay current in design trends and technologies. Provide a high level of visual design support and design ideas/recommendations for print publications, University website and various other digital communications. Lead special projects as assigned; design features for The Bridge magazine as assigned; serve as assistant to creative director; demonstrate a high level of leadership and independent, proactive thinking in all areas of responsibility. Collaborate with other designers to balance workload; brainstorm creative ideas; collaborate and consult with printers, technology staff and Web team. Provide photography support for print, Web and other digital communications. Provide consistent and reliable attendance.

Secondary Duties

Other duties as assigned

Education Required

Bachelor’s degree preferred in graphic design or a related discipline such as communication design, digital design, or visual communications.

Education Preferred

Bachelor’s degree preferred in graphic design or a related discipline such as communication design, digital design, or visual communications.

Experience Required

5 years or more of proven professional graphic design experience in a Mac environment and at least 1 year web visual design education or experience; proven project management experience; pre-press and photography experience preferred; marketing background preferred; supervisory experience a plus.

Skills, Characteristics Required

Proficient in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop in a Mac environment. InDesign + InCopy workflow experience a plus.
Pre-press experience and experience working with printers / conducting press checks
Proficiency in using project management, job tracking, and team collaboration software, such as BirdviewPSA, Basecamp, and MS Teams.
Knowledge of printing and web terminology and procedures
Knowledge of publication mailing requirements and specifications
Experience with web graphics creation and standards
Familiarity with HTML, CSS, Web / Web usability standards
Working knowledge of paper types, terminology and technologies
Technical proficiency in basic industry-standard hardware and software such as Word, Outlook, Excel, copiers, desktop printers etc.
Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; ability to present and articulate design concepts and clear creative vision to clients and colleagues
Excellent time management skills
Proven organizational, planning skills and flexibility
Independent project management and leadership experience; ability to think on-the-fly and problem-solve
Proven creativity, independent problem-solving, concept development, brainstorming skills
Ability to assume project leadership roles as assigned
Ability to work independently and also collaborate with others
Serve as assistant to creative director on photo shoots and other special projects
Team player with positive, proactive attitude
Attention to detail; accuracy
Experience in photography and supervisory experience preferred
Professional portfolio demonstrating a high level of creativity and creative/innovative concept development required