Assistant Director, Research Development Graphics, Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

20d•$80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The mission of the Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors (OVPR) is to foster the expansion of the scale, quality, and impact of scholarly endeavors at UT Austin. We are committed to building capacity, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and lowering the barriers and burden involved in scientific and creative inquiry through the development of an investigator-focused infrastructure that supports the needs of UT Austin's research enterprise. UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage Retirement contributions Paid vacation and sick time Paid holidays Eligible for hybrid telework Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered. Purpose Under the direction of the Executive Director for Research Development, the Assistant Director – Research Development Graphics will apply best-in-class design sensibilities and expertise in visual communication to produce a wide range of visual media for high-priority research proposals. As part of the Research Development team within the Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors (OVPR), the Assistant Director – Research Development Graphics will support ideation and create compelling, informative proposal content, as well as other strategic research development projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts or related field, with at least 5 years of experience in graphic design, scientific illustration, art direction, and/or multimedia communications.
Demonstrated ability to function proactively and independently throughout the design process from concept development to final delivery.
Proven capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines with a strong customer-service orientation.
Fluency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite, and Microsoft SharePoint.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to evaluate and implement alternative design solutions as needed.
Familiarity with academic environments and an understanding of research.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and/or relevant professional certification in scientific communication, illustration, or related field.
Experience designing technical communications and visual content for grant proposals, scientific publications, and/or science visualization.
Prior experience with and knowledge of Research Development.

Responsibilities

Works closely with teams of principal investigators (PIs) to create captivating figures and graphics that enhance the competitiveness of sponsored research proposals. These visuals may include full-page figures summarizing the goals or activities of large, multidisciplinary research centers; scientific illustrations; organizational charts and workflows; and custom PowerPoint templates and slide artwork.
Independently leads dialogue with PIs to manage multiple rounds of revisions and acts as a final copyeditor to ensure consistency and polish. Incorporates PIs’ feedback and stylistic preferences throughout draft revisions, providing multiple options or mockups to assist in decision-making as requested. Maintains a file structure of drafts, proofs, and final deliverables.
Provides strategic consultation and expert guidance to PIs on how to visually convey complex research concepts in a clear and accessible way, including preliminary sketches and storyboards to support ideation and determine accuracy.
Works collaboratively with PIs to convey their articulated research ideas into graphical abstracts that serve to advance the development of research teams’ broader collaborative vision.
Works cooperatively with grants/contracts specialists, Research Development officers, and other members of the OVPR Research Development team in pursuit of these objectives.
Creates and executes visual communications for the OVPR Research Development team, following university style guides and branding specifications across both print and digital platforms. Areas of work may include reports, one-pagers/flyers, identity, digital ads, presentations, graphics, promotional displays, signage, social media assets, event collateral, and web design. Regularly maintains and organizes related design files in formats accessible to other RD team members.
Contributes to the overall success of the OVPR Research Development team by performing other duties as assigned, including coordinating with vendors and collaborating with communications staff across OVPR and the university.