POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Graphic Designer advances Case Western Reserve University’s mission by presenting the institution in compelling, visually appealing, user-friendly and effective ways. The individual will apply industry-leading practices in print design and accessibility to aid the University Marketing and Communications Department in creating dynamic and engaging materials that comply with the university’s brand standards. This individual also will support the university’s efforts to ensure that Case Western Reserve’s presence reflects the stature and excellence of the teaching, learning and research that takes place on its campus.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Promote the university through the compelling design and development of print and digital materials, including but not limited to: one sheets, invitations, brochures, digital advertising, event materials, signage, research reports, publications and more.
- Bolster projects and design through use of illustrative techniques, such as photo editing and illustration, traditional illustration, typography and more.
- Collaborate closely with the Creative Director and other leaders of University Marketing and Communications (UMC) to meet immediate and longer-term marketing needs.
- Design and develop marketing materials for university clients, always in alignment with the university's brand guidelines and accessibility standards.
- Present draft designs to clients and articulate clear rationale for design choices and how they support design, content, functionality, and marketing standards.
- Listen to and consider ways to integrate feedback in an iterative fashion, and then consult with the director regarding next steps. Understand that revisions of proposed design elements may be necessary to meet institutional imperatives, even when these elements hold aesthetic appeal in the abstract.
- Construct design files using proper techniques and support departmental storage solutions by use of consistent naming conventions, file organization and more.
- Develop specifications for bids from printers, photographers, designers and other vendors. Assess proposals with appropriate weighing of quality and price.
- Ensure timely completion of work that reflects well on the division and university—including recognition of potential and/or unexpected hurdles (as well as options to overcome them and adjust schedules in response).
- Develop designs that advance articulated institutional goals, recognizing that individual artistic or aesthetic preferences must always be secondary.
- Execute the logistical and technological demands of preparing materials for printers and also preparing materials for online presentation (i.e. an online ad).
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned.
CONTACTS
Department: Contact with vice president, directors and all department staff.
University: Contact with faculty and staff in colleges and management centers.
External: Contact with alumni and outside vendors and consultants.
Students: Some contact with students.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 2 or more years of related experience.
Education/Licensing: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, communication/information design, multimedia, fine arts or related field required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud
- Exceptional design sense that aligns with the university's existing style and standards.
- Excellent project management, time management, and organizational skills (plan and implement projects according to specifications, report project statuses, identify delays or resource shortages).
- A team player who enjoys working with others to solve problems and share knowledge.
- Self-motivated, positive, detail-oriented, strong organizational skills, ability to meet tight deadlines and work with minimal supervision.
- Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team; respects the needs and contributions of others.
- Communicates effectively one-on-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
- Distinguish between primary responsibilities to adhere to accessibility and university standards for brand and other aspects of design appearance
- Ability to treat clients with professionalism and respect.
- Regularly monitors customer satisfaction; provides suggestions to improve quality and value to the customer.
- Explores alternatives to existing products and services; identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices; shows imagination.
- Demonstrates logic, rationality and objectivity; shows common sense; uses all available information to make educated decisions.
- Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Temporary
Pay: $44,000.00 - $49,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
COVID-19 considerations:
The department is currently working remotely but will phase back into the office environment with safety measures, cleaning, and other protocol in place.
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a design portfolio? If so, please provide the url (a link and/or files are required with your submission to be considered for this role).
Education:
Experience:
- Graphic Design: 2 years (Required)
Contract Length:
Work Location:
Company's website:
Work Remotely:
- Temporarily due to COVID-19
COVID-19 Precaution(s):
- Remote interview process
- Virtual meetings