Senior Designer

07-Apr-2022

University Administration

57806BR

Job Summary

The Senior Designer at Harvard Library is responsible for providing art direction and designs for marketing, editorial, and leadership priorities, as well as overseeing and extending the Harvard Library brand. Reporting to the Director, the Senior Designer develops and maintains high brand standards to drive aesthetic consistency across Harvard Library products. They will be the primary designer in a small, agile team and bring an in-depth knowledge of graphic design for digital and print across multiple platforms from ideation to delivery.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Translate strategy into effective designs and solutions using graphic design, style guides and templates, motion graphics, data visualization, and typography.
• Conceptualize and create fresh and original design concepts and final assets for production. Design assignments may include a combination of digital and print projects including brochures, ads, annual reports, presentations, stationery, banners, promotional items, invitations, social graphics, and other materials as needed.
• Collaborate in concept development and design ideation with cross functional team and library clients. Work with project leads and the Director to ensure schedules are realistic and that deadlines are met. Use project management tools to clearly communicate updates and schedule changes.
• Produce expert files for print and web, utilizing layout composition and mechanical skills. Responsible for reviewing final printing processes, using color-matching systems, proofing process for photography and typography.
• Participate with the Library Web Team to extend the digital brand and to produce new, complex web pages using the library’s content management system.
• Present work to senior staff and articulate concepts to ensure they are consistent with communication objectives and content strategy.
• Co-manage the Harvard Library identity guidelines with Director and create library signature (logo) files. Extend and evolve the brand, building consistency across digital and print platforms.
• Manage external vendors and freelancers for creative projects.
• May be required to take digital photographs or art direct photo shoots.
• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties as requested by the Director.

Basic Qualifications

• Degree in design, visual arts, or relevant field
• 5+ years of experience in design, production, and project management in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Online portfolio of completed design projects

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Highly creative, detailed oriented with a strong eye for design, layout, color, and typography.
• Advanced skills in current design software including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, MS Office, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Advanced experience in print, identity, and branding. Experience creating templates to extend a brand’s reach a plus.
• An understanding of web interface and user experience design. Experience in design systems, like atomic design, a plus.
• Experience with digital media (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) and online-based applications (such as Canva) and email services (such as Mailchimp).
• Experience designing materials for a variety of mediums including websites, events, exhibits, social media, and multimedia.
• Ability to manage and deliver multiple projects at once. Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet strict deadlines, often while working independently.
• Stay current on design trends and best practices

Additional Information

Harvard University Benefits Package
Vacation/Sick/Personal/Holidays:   Harvard offers 3 (union roles) - 4 (exempt) weeks paid vacation, a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days each year.
Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit:   Harvard offers a variety of excellent medical, dental, and vision plans which all begin on the first day of employment.
Retirement:   University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program:   Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted study options through participating Harvard Graduate Schools.
Transportation:   Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as parking options to assist employees in their daily commute to campus.
Wellness Options:   Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services.  There are also fee-based athletic facility memberships available at various locations around the university for employees.

Harvard Public Affairs and Communications is committed to diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace.  We welcome applicants who bring varied experiences, backgrounds, and expertise to advance the work of the department in service to Harvard’s mission.  

Job Function

Communications

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

318057 Print Production

Sub-Unit

Harvard Public Affairs and Communications

Department

Harvard Public Affairs and Communications

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.