Description:
The Graphic Design Specialist (GDS) working in University Marketing and Communications (UMC) must have a deep understanding of the principles of design, a passion for good design and the technical capabilities to bring those designs to life. They should strive for excellence and appreciate constructive criticism.
The GDS will take initiative and work well both independently, as well as part of a multidisciplinary team of designers, writers, videographers, photographers, and coders. They are an expert communicator, detail-driven and respect process.
As part of the visual team, reporting to the Creative Director the GDS will bring Michigan Tech’s brand to life through a variety of print materials including admissions pieces, university marketing materials, large scale signage, and more, as well as have the opportunity to design for web, social media and video. You will be encouraged to develop your craft and grow professionally.
About University Marketing and Communications (UMC): UMC is a team of strategy-first brand champions. We communicate Michigan Tech voices, opportunities, and experiences to the entire world. Academic departments, divisions, institutes, and organizations collaborate with UMC to promote undergraduate and graduate student enrollment, cultivate alumni affinity and support, and position our faculty researchers as leading scholars.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
- Get to know the university: connect and communicate with everyone in the organization, talk to people and understand the structure of Michigan Tech’s colleges and departments. Actively engage in campus community initiatives and events—You’ll be a Husky afterall!
- Be a valuable teammate to everyone in UMC by solving creative problems, communicating ideas and concepts, supporting others with creative assets, and delivering quality work
- Consistently create eye-catching graphics and engaging designs for print and digital media
- Perform prep work such as layout, formatting, color correcting, and preparing files for printers or the web
- Take ownership of the creative elements of projects from start to finish
- Participate in project kickoff meetings offering creative design solutions. Discuss client needs and requirements with various internal stakeholders and provide information, knowledge and expertise regarding publication processes
- Collaborate closely with the project manager helping to build timelines, organize assets and define the parameters of a project. Identify and communicate road-blocks and offer creative solutions
- Engross yourself in our photo archives. Collaborate with the photography team to identify, locate or capture the best assets for the project
- Create and maintain files in an organized manner to aid in team collaboration and file sharing
- Be a brand ambassador: understand it, utilize it, and enforce it
- Possess a love of creative collaboration and ideation. Be an active member of the visual team brainstorming ideas, sharing inspiration, creating mock-ups and effectively communicating creative ideas
- Work with minimal supervision and balance multiple projects while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Be a savvy communicator with an understanding of how to utilize all communication platforms including Slack, Monday.com, email, Zoom and phone effectively.
- Be passionate about design and stay current on the latest design trends.
- Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
- Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.