Creative Design Specialist Job at University of Georgia in Athens

Creative Design Specialist

Posting Details: This is a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) at the University of Georgia. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position. Employment type: Employee. Schedule: 8:00am–5:00pm; evenings or weekends as necessary. Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Location: Athens Area.

About the University

The University of Georgia (UGA) is a public flagship university founded in 1785. UGA emphasizes higher education excellence and serves a large UGA community across multiple campuses.

Unit Overview

Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) advances the university’s goals by generating private support, building relationships with alumni and donors, and supporting student career development opportunities. The Office of Communications is an in-house marketing agency for DAR. We design, write, film, photograph, and more, collaborating to reach alumni and donors with creative, audience-focused work.

Posting Information

Posting Type: External. Background checks, credit background checks (where applicable), and pre-employment drug testing may be required. EEO statement and accessibility: UGA is an Equal Opportunity employer; applicants will be considered without regard to protected status. For accommodations, contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field, or equivalent professional experience with at least two years in graphic design; experience in a relevant industry or agency environment.
• Strong portfolio showcasing branding, print and digital design, typography, text hierarchy; experience working within brand guidelines.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); experience with print vendors.
• Experience creating motion graphics in After Effects or Adobe Express is a plus.
• Knowledge of CSS, JavaScript, or other web programming is a plus.
• Some photography experience is a plus.

Position Summary

Reports to the Creative Director and collaborates with other DARCOMM colleagues. Provides graphic design for units within DAR, developing and implementing designs across multiple mediums (web, social media, digital advertising, signage, print, etc.). May lead and contribute to the creative development of projects and assist in marketing/communication strategy execution. Ensures designs align with UGA and DAR branding and style guidelines; helps brainstorm new communication strategies to improve impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide graphic design for Division of Alumni and Development Units; develop and deliver design solutions; collaborate with the creative director, coordinators, strategists, and writers.
• Plan and execute design strategy for publications, websites, and social media; manage visual identity and use of university assets.
• Lead and contribute to creative development of projects; conduct kickoff meetings, create briefs, and deliver presentations.
• Execute design work independently with ownership; follow workflow processes and use project management systems; monitor timelines and coordinate with staff.
• Communicate design vision to partners and present high-profile projects to DARCOMM and clients; manage print production including vendor selection, specs, proofs, and press checks when needed.
• Stay current with print standards and industry trends; collaborate with vendors to ensure quality and consistency; manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities by Time Allocation

• 65%: Collaborate with DARCOMM colleagues; participate in regular team meetings; contribute to division-wide and university-wide campaigns; build relationships and brainstorm solutions.
• 25%: Manage student assistant; hire, coach, assign projects, manage tasks, and perform quality control.
• 10%: Other project-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Self-starter; able to work independently and in a team; proactive, accountable, and service-oriented.
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize; ability to collaborate and gain buy-in from diverse groups.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); solid design principles knowledge (layout, color theory, typography, hierarchy).
• Experience with image editing/retouching; excellent written and verbal communication; creative problem-solving; adaptability to trends and technologies.
• Attention to detail; receptive to feedback; professional conduct aligned with UGA values.

Additional Division Expectations

• Maintain respectful, fair, and constructive communication; promote a healthy work environment.
• Adherence to CASE standards and fundraising reporting expectations for fundraisers where applicable.

Physical Demands

• Some after-hours work and travel may be required; standard office environment; long periods at a computer; ability to lift up to 20 pounds; other movements as needed.

Questions and Contact

Recruitment Contact: dartalent@uga.edu

Application Components

• Resume/CV (Required)
• Cover Letter (Required)
• Other documents as applicable (Optional)