Senior Graphic Designer at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department



COMM UChicago Creative: Design



About the Department



UChicago Creative, part of University Communications, is the in-house agency at the University of Chicago. Like the community we're part of, we are a team of creative thinkers who thrive on challenges and excel at producing innovative solutions. Our expertise spans from strategic assessment and brand positioning to creative direction and development to production and distribution. We collaborate with UChicago schools and divisions, departments, units, and affiliated partners locally and globally to create innovative content that achieves their communication goals while advancing the University's mission and reputation. We capture the voice and vision of the University through a variety of media, including print, digital, video, and photography. We address a full spectrum of creative challenges and develop solutions, everything from social media content to a fully integrated campaign.



Job Summary



The Senior Graphic Designer will design for a wide range of communications materials, spanning print, digital, and multimedia, for University clients. The Senior Graphic Designer will use Adobe CC Design Suite as well as presentation software such as Keynote and PowerPoint. Digital design skills, including familiarity with email development software, such as Emma and Mailchimp, and a working knowledge of web development is a plus. The position reports directly to the Director of Design and Identity.


This position has the option to work a hybrid schedule as business needs permit.



Responsibilities

• Manages partnership with clients, directors, writers, editors, and project managers to develop marketing-communications solutions that best meet the client's needs as well as University objectives.


• Produces effective, goal-driven, and audience-focused work that reflects the University brand.


• Designs and implements projects across platforms (print to digital-websites, social media, email, publications) for a wide range of University projects.


• Manages projects from concept to completion as required, including meeting with clients, establishing goals, providing executions and estimates, and tracking time and costs.


• Advises on execution phase and production process of projects, including budgets, materials and processes, and timetables.


• Establishes relationships with production vendors and provides project stakeholders with cost-efficient solutions that maximize their creative budgets.


• Helps create ADA compliant creative communications.


• Fosters relationships with UChicago Creative's partners to help strengthen the team's reputation.


• Researches new tools and/or services for delivering digital-centric creative solutions for University partners.


• Manages and co-leads with the Director of Design and Identity the implementation of the University of Chicago Brand Identity Logo System.


• Maintains the University's brand identity elements and ensures ease of access for all units.


• Manages and co-leads with the Director of Design and Identity the University's merchandise licensing program.


• Partners with UChicago Creative's leadership team to implement quarterly updates to the team's website, including seasonal Zoom backgrounds.


• Manages and co-leads with the Director of Design and Identity the University's brand identity help desk.


• Maintains and expands the University's brand identity FAQs on UChicago Creative's website.


• Maintains the brand identity guidelines one-page guides.


• Designs, conceptualizes and creates graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs, and illustrations, for various publications, advertising materials and/or customers by hand or using a computer. Prepares final layouts for print.


• Guides graphic projects to be completed on time, within budget, and to the user's satisfaction.


• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:




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Preferred
Qualifications




Education:

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, art, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5 + years of graphic design experience or other related experience.


• Communications in higher education a plus.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Knowledge of Adobe XD.


• Digital design skills, including familiarity with email development software such as Emma, Mailchimp, and PoliteMail.


• Knowledge of WordPress.


• Knowledge of ADA compliance guidelines.


• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Basecamp, Harvest, Forecast).


• Knowledge of best practices and technical trends within an evolving social media landscape with an understanding of web development and other digital applications.

Preferred Competencies

• Work with a creative team in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.


• Effectively manage relationships with University clients and partners, fellow team members, and vendors.


• High level of creativity with a sophisticated sense of brand identity development, typography, applied color, composition, and visual hierarchy.


• Creative problem-solving abilities with strong communication skills.


• Articulating and explaining visual approaches.


• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, juggle priorities, and meet deadlines.


• Excellent management and organization skills.


• Carry out assignments with little to no supervision.


• Estimate and work within budgets.


• Understand communication objectives, key target audiences, their needs, and their relative importance regarding a specific creative project.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Excellent client-service orientation.


• Engage with faculty across a range of academic disciplines.


• Handle a workload that is not necessarily predictable and may come with peaks and valleys.


• Respond to urgent situations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)


• Cover Letter (required)


• Portfolio of Creative Work (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe 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. Apply Now