Graphic Design Specialist

University of Colorado•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Graphic Design Specialist supports the University Marketing and Communications team through the development of creative, high-quality print and digital communications aligned with UCCS strategic goals and brand standards. Provides print and digital design support for university communications and marketing initiatives. Develops creative solutions that advance the university’s strategic communication objectives. Promotes a positive image of UCCS to prospective students, alumni, donors, and other key constituents. Researches, designs, and produces high-quality printed and electronic communications materials. Creates multimedia content critical to advancing the university’s mission. Ensures all materials align with UCCS brand standards and visual design guidelines. This is a one-year full-time position within University Communications & Marketing, intended to provide graphic design support for university marketing and communications priorities during the one-year period. Continuation beyond the one-year is not guaranteed and would be subject to university needs, funding, and applicable hiring processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
Must have professional experience in graphic design, multimedia design, or a related field.
Experience using Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Experience working with clients or stakeholders to develop and execute design solutions.
A portfolio demonstrating relevant graphic design and multimedia work is encouraged with the application and will be required upon phone interview.
All final candidates to these appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information and provide contact information for their previous institutions.

Nice To Haves

Experience using Lightroom, Canva, and other Adobe Creative Suite and graphic design/interactive software as appropriate.
Experience with photography and photo-editing techniques.

Responsibilities

Design and produce on-brand digital and print collateral, including flyers, advertisements, invitations, annual reports, event programs, and other materials as needed.
Develop creative concepts and design plans that support university strategic communication goals across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
Handle production and preflight of final print-ready artwork using InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other appropriate design software; ensure proper sizing, resolution, formatting, and technical specifications of imagery and other design elements.
Translate design elements effectively between digital and print media while maintaining visual consistency and adherence to UCCS brand standards.
Apply current industry standards, design trends, and technical knowledge to create high-quality, effective communications materials.
Perform detailed work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail throughout the design and production process.
Attend client meetings, as necessary, to determine communication needs; research, develop, present, and refine design concepts based on client objectives and audience needs.
Work with the Brand and Design Manager to ensure proper implementation of brand standards and visual design, including receiving final approval from the Marketing and Communications team on highly visible campaigns and design concepts.
Collaborate with cross-discipline teams and clients to develop integrated multimedia projects and effectively manage competing project priorities and individual workloads.
Give and receive direction, feedback, and constructive criticism while iterating on design work within established brand standards and communication objectives.
Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders regarding project requirements, timelines, revisions, and deliverables.
Adapt to changing priorities, deadlines, and client needs while maintaining a high level of quality and professionalism.
Provide creative input and expertise in areas including concept development, design planning, art/photo direction, print design, digital design, and multimedia production.
Support a collaborative work environment by exhibiting objectivity and openness to others' views and perspectives.
Design and produce final artwork for print and digital paid media campaigns across multiple platforms and formats.
Provide desktop publishing and graphic design support to university staff and departments.
Assist in the development and production of templates, digital assets, and other reusable communications resources.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining established deadlines, priorities, and quality standards.
Organize and maintain design files and digital assets in accordance with established file management and digital asset management practices.
Utilize a broad range of design programs and platforms, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Canva, and other Adobe Creative Suite and graphic design/interactive software as appropriate.
Incorporate photography and photo-editing techniques into design projects, as appropriate.
Maintain awareness of emerging design tools, technologies, industry standards, and trends to support continuous improvement of university communications.
Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the University Marketing and Communications team.