Graphic Designer

Reporting to the Associate Director of Marketing & Communication, the Graphic Designer will be responsible for developing visual assets from concept to design to production to support consistent and appealing University branding and marketing, including graphics, web pages, logos, advertisements and print collateral. Bringing together art and technology, the successful graphic designer will have a knowledge of design principles with a mastery of design software. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports directly to the Associate Director of Marketing & Communication. May also take general direction, consistent with University and department initiatives, from the Senior Leadership Team and the President of the University. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Graphic Designer may provide general supervision over Multimedia Specialists, student employees, interns, and graduate assistants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain all elements of the Heidelberg University brand, for print and web, including the Visual Brand Guide and oversight of logo usage, stationery and templates.

Brainstorm, conceptualize and develop publications and graphics for University departments, ensuring standards are followed.

Collaborate with the Marketing & Communication team to develop and maintain a production schedule to assist campus clients in planning and meeting their deadlines.

Work with print vendors to ensure quality, timely production and optimize University budget.

Other responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Director of Marketing & Communication.

CORE VALUES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Core values – models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work. 

• Intellectual dynamism – demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.

• Self-knowledge – gains insight from successes and mistakes.

• Personal learning – seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.

• Peer relationships – encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.

• Teamwork – performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.

• Constituency focus – completes work to meet constituencies’ expectations and requirements.

• Community focus – brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Professional Experience:

(A) Associate degree in graphic design, visual communication, or related field required; and,

(B) Two years of progressive professional experience in graphic design and/or marketing in a professional setting, preferably in higher education.

 (C) Must possess strong computer skills in Windows and/or Mac and proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite.

Preferred Education and Experience:

(A) Familiarity with social media, HTML, photography and/or videography are pluses.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of design principles.
• Mastery of design software, e.g. Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience designing marketing publications.
• Knowledge of printing processes and requirements.
• Ability to conceptualize trends and visual communication styles for marketing and promotional campaigns.
• Basic understanding of public relations and marketing. 
• Knowledge of copyright laws applicable to design work and creative properties.
• Must demonstrate analytical, problem solving and strategic thinking abilities.  
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional motivation and creativity.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.  
• Ability to relate to diverse cross-sections of individuals.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Ability to travel as needed or required, work evenings and / or weekends as needed.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to: personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, integrated database software, web design hardware and software, fax machine, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers. DSLR camera, and cutting mat/exacto knife or paper cutter.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use arms, hands and fingers to operate and manipulate equipment generally found in an office setting. The employee may be frequently required to be mobile, communicate, and hear. 

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Mental demands include varied degrees of occasional stress while performing job duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet. 

SELECTION GUIDELINES: The Graphic Designer will be selected after a formal application procedure, education and experience rating, oral interview, and reference check. Job related tests may be required. All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background screen, motor vehicle record search, drug and alcohol screen, physical and / or psychological examination at the University’s discretion.