Assistant Director of Creative Services, Athletics

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors > http://bit.ly/UCEMPL

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to over 50,000 students, 11,000 faculty and staff and 332,000 alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, nine straight years of record enrollment, global leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC’s momentum has never been stronger. UC’s annual budget tops $1.65 billion and its endowment totals $1.8 billion.

The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics competes at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics with the vision to reach Next Level Success for all 18 varsity teams and more than 500 student-athletes. The Bearcats have a proud athletics history, winning eight national championships and 117 conference titles. The Cincinnati men's basketball team is among the 15 winningest programs all-time, while the football team became the first American Athletic Conference program to compete in the College Football Playoff in 2021. Olympic gold medalist volleyball player Jordan Thompson, NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and Major League Baseball legend Sandy Koufax are among the several luminaries who have competed as Bearcats. 

UC student-athletes collectively posted a 3.4 overall GPA in the spring of 2023, resulting in 11 consecutive semesters of a 3.3 department GPA or higher. Under the leadership of Director of Athletics John Cunningham, and supported by more than 150 full-time staff members, UC Athletics' mission is to connect our community, enhance our University and impact the lives of student-athletes as they prepare to change the world on and off the field. 

For more information visit gobearcats.com.

Cincinnati Athletics is seeking candidates for an Assistant Director of Creative Services (Graphic Designer) position to help drive the Bearcats brand and fan experience to new levels.

Reporting directly to the Associate AD and Chief Creative Officer, the position is within The Agency (athletic department creative agency) but will work closely with other units in the department. The individual in this position will assist in continually defining the strategy and goals to achieve success in engaging fans and moving Cincinnati Athletics brand forward. 

The successful candidate will collaborate with multiple internal partners such as our sports teams, marketing, ticket sales and service, communication, and facilities crafting and executing creative media strategy, concepts, and ideas, including creating videos and social medial content, print, and web design. The position requires some evening and weekend hours. 

• Utilize knowledge of current graphic design software to produce visual material.
• Generate, proofread and edit finished product and ensure that all design work follows university branding standards.
• Maintain design standards for all material produced; stay abreast of technological advances in the field; recommend alternate approaches to design and production for cost-effective printed materials; maintain records and files. 
• Consult with clients on requested projects; make recommendations and decisions related to design, ideas, approach, costs, technical specifications, etc.
• Liaison with printers, suppliers, etc. for assigned projects; write all specifications for printing, supplies, bids, etc.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Four (4) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.

Experience in graphic design or related field.

• Print design & preparing print production experience. 
• Strong logo design & Adobe Illustrator proficiency. 
• After Effects, Blender or other 3D design program knowledge a plus.
• Strong typographic sensitivity.
• Strong photography, both shooting & editing a plus.
• Experience carrying a cohesive design campaign through a number of different applications.
• Professional communication.

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Interested and qualified applicants must apply online and include a cover letter of interest, a current CV/Resume and a portfolio. All certifications and other documentation can be uploaded using the Additional Documents section in the application. 

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.

• Competitive salary range dependent on the candidate's experience.
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
• Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.

As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.uc.edu/careers.html .

For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] . 

The University of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQ: 95547 

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