POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Senior Graphic Designer
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5001
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director of Creative Services
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Senior Graphic Designer is responsible for producing a wide range of printed materials (brochures, magazines, recruitment and advertising materials, posters, murals, banners, etc.), provides web graphic design services for the university and produces more complex and high-profile projects, such as the admissions undergraduate recruitment guide and variable data printing items. The Senior Graphic Designer takes projects from concept to delivery, participates in project interviews, develops concepts and designs, directs photo shoots, presents design layouts to clients, arranges for the printing of publications with both on-campus and off-campus printers, and coordinates the work of full-time, part-time, and student workers in the development and production of designs. The Senior Graphic Designer supervises some student workers directly as well as mentors all student workers in the department and coordinates the printing and billing of projects completed by students.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor's degree in graphic design is required. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design is preferred.
Experience: Two years of experience as a graphic designer are required. The experience must include an understanding of design and typography, as well as the process of creating a publication through all its phases from concept through printing. Extensive experience in Macintosh desktop publishing (including such software as InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator) is required. Experience in a university setting and supervisory experience is preferred.
Skills: Must demonstrate talent as a designer, including an understanding of the need to balance function and visual appearance to achieve successful communication using an established brand. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required. Organizational and planning skills are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: The scope of the position occasionally requires working additional hours to complete jobs and to attend press checks, and an extensive amount of time working at a computer workstation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Produces effective publications, including high-profile and variable-data projects, from concept to delivery by participating in project interviews with clients, developing concepts and designs utilizing university brand, coordinating focus groups, directing photo shoots, presenting layouts to clients, producing mock-ups and electronic files, developing printing specifications, coordinating with Procurement Services on bidding of printing projects and arranging for the printing of publications with both on-campus and off-campus printers.
2. Produces materials that support the university’s goals related to recruitment, alumni and donor involvement and the university’s long-range plan.
3. Meets clients' communication objectives through a thorough knowledge of typography and design to create concepts and comprehensive layouts and advising the clients of appropriate options to achieve their communication objectives.
4. Ensures effective and timely production by working closely with clients, writers, editors, photographers, other designers and printers to coordinate production schedules and complete printed and digital material on time.
5. Operates within budgets and deadlines established for various publications by managing assigned projects through coordinating a production schedule.
6. Ensures that printed publications meet the quality expectations of the client by monitoring the printing process, including approval of printer's proofs, and attending press checks as needed.
7. Creates press-ready electronic files by utilizing available desktop publishing equipment and software programs and becoming proficient with new software programs and versions.
8. Supports the technology aspect of Creative Services by maintaining a current knowledge of desktop publishing for graphic design and assisting in assessing the office's computer/networking needs.
9. Supports the department by supervising full-time, part-time and student workers in the development and production of printed material and handling printing and billing for student worker projects.
10. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
11. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses and attending training and/or courses as required by the designated supervisor.
12. Contributes to the overall success of the department by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Senior Graphic Designer is supervised by the Director of Creative Services and may advise and direct the work of full-time and part-time employees, serves as mentor to student workers, and directly supervises one to two student workers.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED OCTOBER 2021
