DESIGNER

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

The Designer is an integral part of UW’s Marketing and Communications team, participating alongside fellow designers, content creators, video producers, photographers, web developers, event planners and others to support and further the University of Washington’s integrated brand strategy. The majority of this position will be focused on student-facing materials, primarily but not limited to Admissions recruitment and yield pieces. This designer will partner to research, concept, design, edit, and see a project through completion. The designer executes visual communications projects, including but not limited to: branding, look books, brochures, advertising (tv, radio, print, outdoor and web), event branding and collateral, illustrations, infographics, toolkits and communication resources, presentation materials, and signage. The Designer will also provide visual design and production consultation to communications partners across the UW, as assigned by the creative team leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepare print/digital-ready files for student-facing work

• Under the supervision of the Art Director (AD), use brand guidelines and project specific perimeters to solve the design problem presented and deliver strong marketing materials in a timely manner. When applicable:
• Research and concept for project.
• Work closely with project partners (ie, editorial, photography, fellow designers, event leads) to inform smart design.
• When applicable, in a timely manner, illustrate concept by creating design deck, showing a rough layout that communicates a strong understanding of the design strategy through hierarchy, color, typography, etc.
• Present concepts/work to AD, Creative Director, and when applicable, stakeholders in an articulate and professional manner.
• Receive feedback, implement change, work with co-creators to turn around product by deadline.
• When applicable, coordinate with outside vendors (Creative Communications or other outside companies) to bring project to completion. Otherwise, create print-ready files for project manager.
• When applicable, sign-off on proofs and conduct press check. When digital, work with developer to ensure end product is aligned with approved concept/design.

Serve as Design Lead

• While the design team may all contribute to the concepting of a specific project, the Designer will be expected to take ownership of projects assigned by the AD. The designer is expected to manage assigned project from inception to completion, keeping in close communication with AD and the Project & Production
• Manager. Project may involve recruiting other designers or junior designers to participate; in this situation, ability to communicate expectations effectively, clearly and lead others to assist. Clear communication and ability to lead and receive feedback are necessary. Additionally, be available to assist other designers on their projects when needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain a strong understanding of the brand and mission of the University of Washington. Assist the Art Director, the Director for Brand Management and the Creative Director in reinforcing brand standards across campus.
• Collaborate with University Marketing & Communications team members to strategically advance project goals, marketing effectiveness and campaign success.
• Design and produce marketing materials including brand design, promotional/campaign deliverables and information graphics that meet UW integrated brand marketing and communications strategy objectives.
• Successfully manage workflow and consistently deliver projects on time.
• Follow existing team processes and electronic file management procedures with an eye for contributing to efficiencies in the system.
• Ability to both communicate thinking behind design decisions, while possessing strong ability to receive and implement feedback.
• Support the design of web communications, as necessary.
• Contribute to collective effort with a willingness to assist other design team members on their projects when necessary.
• Proactive design thinking and team building.
• Prioritizing personal design/technical development through workshops, online courses, participating in professional gatherings; contribute team’s design relevancy by possessing an ongoing pulse on design trends.
• Willingness to go between strategic design work and critical production work, approaching both with a commitment to excellence and an eye for detail.

Other duties as assigned.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Core

Effective communications: Expresses oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others and prioritizes an accessible and transparent style in all forms of communication, i.e., verbal and written, one-on-one and group, etc.
Interpersonal Awareness:   Builds and maintains positive and productive relationships and actively contributes as a member of working teams to achieve results.
Professional Credibility:   Takes responsibility for meeting goals, objectives, obligations, and solving problems while representing the mission, vision and values of the organization.
Critical Thinking:   Obtains, analyzes and evaluates information effectively in the face of ambiguity.  Makes appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience.
Ethics and Trust:   Models and upholds the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty despite internal and external pressures.  Acts consistently with Washington State ethical guidelines and organizational core values and beliefs.
Valuing Diversity & Inclusiveness:   Respects, values and contributes to the UW’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.

Functional Expertise

Innovation Management:     Able to anticipate market trends and be effective in facilitating and managing creative processes to achieve results in self and others.
Organizational Agility:    Knowledgeable of the organization, able to balance reason and the interest of various parties, and act in an appropriate manner that is congruent with the organization’s values, goals and mission to achieve success.
Technical Agility:    Ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies, skills and concepts into existing systems and protocols while continuously seeking improvements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in graphic design/arts or related field and a minimum of three years of experience in graphic design or related field.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Highly proficient with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong abilities and experience in concepting, design/layout, and client/team communication.
• Proven ability to deliver creative solutions within a branded system.
• Exhibits stylistic breadth and attention to detail.
• Experience executing ideas across diverse mediums.
• Capable of shifting between working independently and within a team structure.
• Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.

DESIRED:

• UI, UX, and web design experience is a plus
• Previous experience in a fast-paced studio environment

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.