Senior Graphic Designer/Marketing

University of Northwestern - St. Paul•Minnesota, MN

2d•$63,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Graphic Designer leads the creation and execution of strategic visual communications that advance enrollment, institutional advancement, and university-wide objectives while reflecting the mission, values, and brand of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. As the university's primary visual communicator and brand steward, this position develops high-quality print and digital marketing materials, manages multiple concurrent priorities, and ensures brand consistency across institutional channels. The role combines creative leadership with hands-on design execution and oversees student employees and external creative resources.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or equivalent professional experience
Minimum of three years of professional work experience
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
Familiarity with project management software
Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community
Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail.
Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Adobe design and related software.
Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.
All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Prior higher education experience
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Lightroom)
Experience with Wrike project management software

Responsibilities

Lead the creative development and execution of design projects that support Enrollment, Institutional Advancement, student recruitment, fundraising, alumni engagement, and institutional marketing initiatives.
Serve as the lead designer on multiple concurrent projects, exercising sound judgment to prioritize requests, manage workload, and deliver high-quality creative solutions on time and within established deadlines.
Serve as the university's primary brand steward and creative catalyst, championing design excellence and advancing the institution's visual narrative across academic, enrollment, advancement, and institutional channels.
Provide guidance to marketing colleagues, academic departments, and campus partners regarding logo usage, typography, color standards, visual assets, and brand best practices to ensure consistent application of university brand standards.
Design and produce a wide range of marketing and communication materials, including brochures, magazines, advertisements, billboards, direct mail pieces, event programs, banners, postcards, presentations and slide decks, social media graphics, website and email assets, digital signage, and promotional merchandise.
Partner with campus stakeholders to assess communication objectives, recommend creative solutions, establish timelines, and manage projects from concept through final delivery.
Balance competing priorities while ensuring projects align with institutional goals, brand standards, and audience needs.
Review and proof design files for visual accuracy, quality, brand consistency, accessibility considerations, and production readiness prior to publication or distribution.
Coordinate with printers, promotional vendors, and other production partners to ensure effective and timely execution of creative projects.
Identify photography, video, and graphic content needs and provide creative direction for visual storytelling initiatives.
Coordinate and direct photo shoots as needed to support university marketing efforts and maintain a library of compelling visual assets.
Maintain, organize, and archive artwork, photography, and design files following established file management protocols and brand asset standards.
Ensure accurate version control, accessibility, and efficient retrieval of creative resources.
Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and oversee student design employees while supporting their professional development.
Provide direction, project management, and quality control for freelance designers, photographers, temporary staff, and other external creative resources to ensure deliverables meet university standards, timelines, and objectives.
Perform other duties as requested or assigned.