Creative Design Specialist
Inside Higher Ed, Athens, GA, United States
Creative Design Specialist
Position Summary
This position reports to the Creative Director and contributes to the visual identity for all of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). The role works closely with other Creative Design Specialists within the Development and Alumni Relations Communications department (DARCOMM). This position provides graphic design for clients and units within DAR. Responsibilities include consulting with clients, developing and implementing designs through multiple communication mediums (web, social media, digital advertising, signage, promotional marks, promotional merchandise, and print products such as mailers, invitations, and magazines). The position also assists in the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies within the division and ensures all design work complies with UGA and DAR branding. It helps brainstorm new communication strategies to make the work of DAR more effective.
Responsibilities
Creative Design and Project Execution
Develop and deliver high‑quality design solutions for units within the division, working collaboratively with the creative director, communications coordinators, digital strategists, and content writers.
Contribute to design strategy for publications, websites, and social media.
Manage visual identity and use of trademarked university assets, keeping projects in alignment with campaign and university brand guidelines.
Contribute to the creative development of assigned projects in kickoff meetings by developing creative briefs and delivering formal presentations.
Exercise independence in design execution and demonstrate a sense of ownership in assigned projects.
Follow DARCOMM’s workflow processes and leverage the project management system to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
Collaborate with the assigned Communications Coordinator to manage project timelines and ensure unit needs are met.
Understand and adhere to deadlines. If a deadline is missed, communicate in advance with the appropriate parties.
Keep interested DARCOMM partners informed about projects on a regular basis.
Provide clear communication to partners within units regarding creative vision and strategy.
Present high‑profile design projects to DARCOMM as well as clients, articulating rationale for design.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and support unit goals.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Engage in regularly scheduled DARCOMM staff meetings to discuss updates, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
Collaborate with creative team members on a regular basis to work on division and university‑wide projects, including campaign initiatives.
Build relationships with DARCOMM and DAR colleagues to collaborate on projects and develop creative solutions for our division.
Contribute to and lead content ideation and development in certain projects.
Collaborate with a student design assistant as needed, providing quality control oversight and feedback for growth.
Vendor Coordination, Production, & Technical Expertise
Lead production for print and branded merchandise projects, including vendor selection, spec sheet, estimations, proofing, and press checks when necessary.
Stay up to date on print standards, practices, techniques, and industry trends.
Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and packaging manufacturers to ensure a high standard of quality.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
At least 2 years of full‑time professional experience in graphic design, preferably in a relevant industry or agency setting.
A strong and diverse portfolio showcasing proficiency in branding, print design, digital design, typography, text hierarchy, and other relevant design work.
Demonstrated experience working in the core Adobe Creative Suite design software.
Experience working with print vendors.
Experience working with brand guidelines.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies
Self‑starter and can work independently as well as in a team environment.
Demonstrates initiative and accountability throughout all stages of project development and delivery.
Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to collaborate with others and enlist buy‑in from different groups.
Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding service.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and other design software as applicable.
Solid understanding of design principles, including layout, color theory, typography, text hierarchy, and composition.
Experience with image/photo editing and retouching.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with clients and team members.
Creative problem‑solving abilities, with a track record of providing innovative design solutions.
Adaptability to new design trends, technologies, and industry changes.
Professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high‑caliber work.
Ability to be consistently receptive to feedback or edits and to maintain a solution‑focused approach.
Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia.
Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.
Contact Details
Development & Alumni Relations’ Office of Talent Management
Contact Email: dartalent@uga.edu
EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Summary
This position reports to the Creative Director and contributes to the visual identity for all of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). The role works closely with other Creative Design Specialists within the Development and Alumni Relations Communications department (DARCOMM). This position provides graphic design for clients and units within DAR. Responsibilities include consulting with clients, developing and implementing designs through multiple communication mediums (web, social media, digital advertising, signage, promotional marks, promotional merchandise, and print products such as mailers, invitations, and magazines). The position also assists in the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies within the division and ensures all design work complies with UGA and DAR branding. It helps brainstorm new communication strategies to make the work of DAR more effective.
Responsibilities
Creative Design and Project Execution
Develop and deliver high‑quality design solutions for units within the division, working collaboratively with the creative director, communications coordinators, digital strategists, and content writers.
Contribute to design strategy for publications, websites, and social media.
Manage visual identity and use of trademarked university assets, keeping projects in alignment with campaign and university brand guidelines.
Contribute to the creative development of assigned projects in kickoff meetings by developing creative briefs and delivering formal presentations.
Exercise independence in design execution and demonstrate a sense of ownership in assigned projects.
Follow DARCOMM’s workflow processes and leverage the project management system to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
Collaborate with the assigned Communications Coordinator to manage project timelines and ensure unit needs are met.
Understand and adhere to deadlines. If a deadline is missed, communicate in advance with the appropriate parties.
Keep interested DARCOMM partners informed about projects on a regular basis.
Provide clear communication to partners within units regarding creative vision and strategy.
Present high‑profile design projects to DARCOMM as well as clients, articulating rationale for design.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and support unit goals.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Engage in regularly scheduled DARCOMM staff meetings to discuss updates, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
Collaborate with creative team members on a regular basis to work on division and university‑wide projects, including campaign initiatives.
Build relationships with DARCOMM and DAR colleagues to collaborate on projects and develop creative solutions for our division.
Contribute to and lead content ideation and development in certain projects.
Collaborate with a student design assistant as needed, providing quality control oversight and feedback for growth.
Vendor Coordination, Production, & Technical Expertise
Lead production for print and branded merchandise projects, including vendor selection, spec sheet, estimations, proofing, and press checks when necessary.
Stay up to date on print standards, practices, techniques, and industry trends.
Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and packaging manufacturers to ensure a high standard of quality.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
At least 2 years of full‑time professional experience in graphic design, preferably in a relevant industry or agency setting.
A strong and diverse portfolio showcasing proficiency in branding, print design, digital design, typography, text hierarchy, and other relevant design work.
Demonstrated experience working in the core Adobe Creative Suite design software.
Experience working with print vendors.
Experience working with brand guidelines.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies
Self‑starter and can work independently as well as in a team environment.
Demonstrates initiative and accountability throughout all stages of project development and delivery.
Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to collaborate with others and enlist buy‑in from different groups.
Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding service.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and other design software as applicable.
Solid understanding of design principles, including layout, color theory, typography, text hierarchy, and composition.
Experience with image/photo editing and retouching.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with clients and team members.
Creative problem‑solving abilities, with a track record of providing innovative design solutions.
Adaptability to new design trends, technologies, and industry changes.
Professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high‑caliber work.
Ability to be consistently receptive to feedback or edits and to maintain a solution‑focused approach.
Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia.
Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.
Contact Details
Development & Alumni Relations’ Office of Talent Management
Contact Email: dartalent@uga.edu
EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
#J-18808-Ljbffr