Graphic Designer

The University of Akron • Akron, OH

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides strategic marketing, branding, graphic design, and visual communications support for the College of Business, including its academic departments, centers and institutes, Executive Education, and undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The role involves researching, conceptualizing, designing, and producing print and digital marketing materials that align with University and College branding standards and advance recruitment, retention, revenue generation, alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and donor relations. The designer will consult with internal stakeholders to develop creative solutions, coordinate photography and multimedia assets, manage project timelines, ensure quality control, and oversee production of promotional materials across multiple platforms. Additionally, the role involves developing project specifications and coordinating with external vendors to produce high-quality marketing collateral in a cost-effective and timely manner. This includes soliciting bids, managing production schedules, reviewing proofs, and staying current on industry trends. The position also requires cultivating collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and University partners to prioritize marketing initiatives, establish production timelines, and ensure adherence to University brand standards, accessibility requirements, and marketing best practices. The designer will provide strategic communications guidance to support the College's mission, elevate its reputation, and promote programs and initiatives to various audiences.

Requirements

• Requires a relevant bachelor’s degree
• Requires a minimum of 2 years’ experience in promotional or advertising print materials and publication design.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills required.
• Familiarity with printing processes as well as a working knowledge of current graphic design software programs required.
• Ability to create original designs, execute artwork, conceptualize design layouts and coordinate final production of a finished product required.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, often with competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.
• Near continuous use (>70% of the time) of a video display terminal.

Nice To Haves

• Photography experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic marketing, branding, graphic design, and visual communications support for the College of Business, including its academic departments, centers and institutes, Executive Education, and undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
• Research, conceptualize, design, and produce print and digital marketing materials that align with University and College branding standards and advance recruitment, retention, revenue generation, alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and donor relations.
• Consult with internal stakeholders to develop creative solutions, coordinate photography and multimedia assets, manage project timelines, ensure quality control, and oversee production of promotional materials across multiple platforms.
• Develop project specifications and coordinate with external vendors, including printers, photographers, videographers, freelance designers, and promotional suppliers, to produce high-quality marketing collateral in a cost-effective and timely manner.
• Solicit bids, manage production schedules, review proofs, attend press checks as needed, and remain current on marketing, design, digital communications, and higher education industry trends to continuously improve the College's marketing efforts.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and University partners to prioritize marketing initiatives, establish production timelines, and ensure adherence to University brand standards, accessibility requirements, and marketing best practices.
• Provide strategic communications guidance to support the College's mission, elevate its reputation, and promote programs and initiatives to prospective students, alumni, corporate partners, and the broader community.

Benefits

• The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees.
• The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus.
• The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution.
• Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level