Description:
The Graphic Design Specialist works with the University Marketing and Communications team within University Advancement on print and digital design support - providing creative solutions that meet university strategic communication goals, promoting a positive image of the university with potential students, constituents, alumni and donors by researching, designing, and producing high-quality printed and electronic communications and multimedia critical to the mission of the university and aligned with the UCCS brand and visual design.
Essential Functions
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to
- Design and production of on-brand digital and print collateral pieces such as flyers, ads, invitations, annual reports, event programs and other materials as needed.
- Attend client meetings when necessary to determine the overall needs of communication piece: research, develop and present designs.
- Handle production and preflight of final print-ready artwork by using InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and be familiar with sizing imagery, etc.
- Works with brand and design manager to ensure proper implementation of brand standards and visual design, including receiving final approval from the Marketing and Communications team on highly visible campaigns/design concepts.
- Design and produce final artwork for print and digital paid media campaigns.
- Provide desktop publishing support for staff.
- Assist in the development and production of templates and digital assets.
- Collaborate with cross-discipline teams and individual workloads while exhibiting objectivity and openness to others' views; give and welcome feedback; and contribute to building a positive team spirit.
Responsive Design across multiple platforms:
- Have a thorough understanding of design elements and principles; understanding of how to translate elements between digital and print media using the Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and other graphic design/interactive software, as appropriate.
Oversee quality of work:
- Exercise quality control over projects by reviewing printer proofs.
- Preflight files to make sure all electronic files are correct and included for the printer.
- Make mock-ups for printer. Negotiate client changes, cost and deadline adjustments as needed.
Photo/Multimedia/Digital Asset Management
- Assist with digital file and metadata preparation for the digital asset management system.
- Assist with multimedia and photography production when appropriate.
- Assist in selecting and collecting images, photos and digital assets for design projects.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Experience with creative concept development, design planning, art/photo direction, print and multimedia design.
- Design experience across multiple platforms, expertise in using a broad range of design programs and platforms (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Canva, etc.) for creation of design work.
- Working knowledge of how to translate elements between digital and print media using the Adobe Creative Suite and other graphic design/interactive software, as appropriate.
- Demonstrated success in the design and execution of integrated multimedia projects in a professional environment.
- Ability to iterate on design work within brand standards, give and receive direction, feedback and constructive criticism.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, deadlines, and client needs.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong organizational and communication (both written and verbal) skills.
- Ability to perform detailed work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong knowledge in industry standards, trends, and technical knowledge.
- Experience with metadata or digital asset management a plus.
- Experience with photography a plus.