Graphic Designer, University Relations

University of Denver•Denver, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University Relations division at the University of Denver aims to advance the university's brand by promoting its reputation, inspiring student enrollment and engagement, increasing inclusion, and strengthening the University. They achieve this through data-driven storytelling across various channels, focusing on academics, research, enrollment, admissions, athletics, and advancement. University Relations utilizes public relations, media relations, digital strategies, social media, print, podcasting, issues and crisis management, community relations, and thought leadership to drive results through compelling narratives involving words, pictures, and design. The team fosters collaborative problem-solving, creativity, and innovation by understanding and connecting with diverse audiences. With guidance from creative leadership, the graphic designer will apply their creativity, technical skills, and design expertise to develop and implement design concepts that support university marketing and communications objectives. Their work will encompass a range of media, including print, digital, and multimedia, often under tight deadlines. This role is crucial in evolving the university's brand expression and brand kit, involving the creation of design templates, branded assets, and visual tools, and serving as a key brand advocate across the DU campus. As part of a collaborative marketing team, the graphic designer will work closely with division leadership, other creatives, and marketing and communications colleagues daily. This position is ideal for a designer who thrives in an integrated creative team environment. The graphic designer is expected to participate in proactive planning and offer recommendations to team leadership to ensure project efficiency.

Requirements

Demonstrated design success, with a supporting design portfolio that highlights both conceptual thinking and strong execution.
2-4 years’ experience in graphic and visual design, both in print and digital platforms.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or military training in graphic design, digital design, or related field.
Proficiency with photo editing.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with an associate degree and relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply.
Experience creating design templates, ideally in Canva, for use by a wide range of skill levels across a complex organization.
Experience in motion graphics and video editing.
Experience in photo capture.

Responsibilities

Execute design concepts through images, layouts, motion, and other design elements across a variety of media, including digital, print, photo and video, including making revisions and optimizations based on performance.
Generate and present design concepts under the supervision of creative leadership.
Serve as a brand steward, consultant and advocate, holding established visual standards while continuing to work with division leadership to maintain and optimize the brand.
Use division-wide project management system for all projects, related files, and time tracking, including providing timely status updates.
Create and maintain brand kit assets in support of the entire DU campus, including design templates, branded assets, and training/documentation.
Stay updated on industry trends and integrate innovative ideas into projects.