Senior Graphic Designer Job at NC Central University in Durham

Position Overview

Be an Eagle – Where Purpose Takes Flight!

Are you ready to make an impact? At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), we are more than an institution—we are a community rooted in a legacy of excellence and transformation. A historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, also known as "The City of Medicine," NCCU has been a cornerstone of education since 1910, fostering innovation and progress.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and exclusive perks designed to support your work‑life balance. At NCCU, your professional growth will be nurtured, and your contributions will help shape the future for our students and the community we serve. Become part of a legacy that drives change and achievement.

An opportunity awaits you at NCCU, where your purpose can take flight. Visit NCCU.edu.

Primary Function of the Office of Communications & Marketing

The purpose of the Office of Communications & Marketing is to position and raise the profile of North Carolina Central University as the best, high‑quality regional university in the southeastern United States to local, regional, national, and global audiences. Leverage NCCU's unique assets—such as students, leadership, faculty and staff, partners, and academic programs—to key audiences and stakeholders in Durham and around the world. Generate interest in and excitement for NCCU and its programs by promoting them in the media (print, broadcast, radio, online). Build and create a collaborative, resourceful, productive, and results‑driven department for NCCU. Increase ongoing positive awareness of NCCU among key constituent audiences, including media, alumni, potential students and faculty, as well as organizations and corporate entities, including future employers, university partners, and the Durham community.

Primary Purpose of the Position

The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate both print and web‑related design projects through the Office of Communications & Marketing. Overall, the individual is responsible for creating and supporting the online and offline graphic design and development needs for NCCU. The Senior Graphic Designer will serve as the primary designer for formal university programs (commencement, convocations) and other print and online projects requested by units, divisions, and schools at NCCU, such as but not limited to logos, invitations, flyers, etc. The individual will also design all newsletters and other web‑based or online correspondence generated and circulated by the Office of Communications & Marketing, including, but not limited to, any electronic newsletters and HTML emails to various NCCU constituent groups.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate must possess:

• Demonstrated project management and technical expertise with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills to manage multiple online and offline projects on deadline.
• Skilled in providing strategic counsel, advisement, and written updates for campus clients, including maintaining NCCU's Style Guide and web/social media policies.
• Excellent communication, editing, analytical, and organizational abilities with sound judgment and discretion in problem‑solving.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively and diplomatically in high‑pressure environments with flexible scheduling.

Minimum Education/Experience

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of visual/graphic arts experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Carolina Central University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

Work Conditions

Work Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00–5:00 (some evening and weekend work may be required).

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: No.

Campus Security Authority Designated Position: No.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and produce graphic materials for formal university programs (commencement, convocations) and other print and online projects, including logos, invitations, flyers, and more.
• Design newsletters and other web‑based or online correspondence, including electronic newsletters and HTML emails.
• Coordinate with units and individuals requesting graphic design or layout work; develop ideas, suggest improvements, and advise on techniques.
• Gather and maintain photo resources, perform photo edits as required.
• Prepare cost estimates for individuals and departments requesting printed graphic design services.
• Maintain accurate records of work in progress for department records.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Chief Brand Officer.
• Research, initiate, and maintain new multimedia (audio, video, web‑based content) and recommend, implement, and keep a library of multimedia tools and social networking features on NCCU web sites.