Designer

Department
 

ARD Design

About the Department
 

Alumni Relations & Development (ARD) engages alumni (~190k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $550 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute. The ARD Communications team works with ARD partners to shape and brand communications to engage, steward, and inform alumni, donors, and friends of the University of Chicago. The design team, which supports this group, utilizes communications and design best practices to shape impressions for signature events and other programming that supports ARD philanthropic goals and strengthens the University’s identity in the world. This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Job Summary
 

The job provides professional support and solves straightforward problems in a range of design projects. Works within defined processes and procedures to develop design standards and concepts for University advertising and communications materials. Completes a variety of assignments, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Support the University brand and strategic goals through the use of graphic design best practices and creative innovation to engage with our audiences. Display professional skill in the use of the Adobe suite of design software including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat (XD and Premiere Pro familiarity helpful), in order to conceive, design and produce printed and digitally based tools such as brochures, periodicals, event identity and invitations, websites, social media posts, direct response marketing, and signage.

• Research, develop and lead conceptual and stylistic direction for ARD direct response campaigns based on partner objectives while supporting the University brand.

• In addition to being able to work independently, designer must be willing to collaborate with manager, designers, editors, writers, and interactive developers to meet the department's goals by prioritizing workloads and producing professionally designed materials that are in strategic alignment.

• Contribute to creative critiques and brainstorms, and while demonstrating a high regard for teamwork and the collective achievement of departmental goals, be willing to evaluate overall success of team efforts.

• Contribute to a positive work environment, which includes a commitment to project partner/stakeholder satisfaction.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with our partners among ARD and other University departments and divisions.

• Identify, negotiate with, and manage outside vendors such as printers, photographers, illustrators, etc.

• Maintain archives of all projects, graphic files, photography and printed samples.

• Applies interpersonal and communications skills which include the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively in a professional context.

• Seek opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance and team creativity. These include attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.

• Conceptualizes and creates graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs, or illustrations, for various publications, advertising materials and/or customers with limited supervision.

• Coordinates all graphic production scheduling, including preparing final layouts for print.

• Works within processes to ensure that graphic projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the user's satisfaction. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Minimum two years of experience in Graphic Design, Production Design or similar professional work experience.

• Minimum two years of experience leading a project team or managing staff.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's donor relationship management system, Microsoft Windows computer environment and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Competencies

• Act with integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and tact.

• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.

• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.

• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, to speak, and to write effectively.

• Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative.

• Create small scale animations and animated gifs highly valued.

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.

• Standard office environment.

• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.

• Work evenings and weekends as needed.

• This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Communications

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.