Central Washington University is hiring: Graphic Designer in Ellensburg

Central Washington University is recruiting a Graphic Designer (Graphic Designer Senior) to join our Marketing and Communications team in Ellensburg ,

Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .

The Role:

The Graphic Designer for Creative Services in the Office of Marketing and Communications plays a critical strategic role in shaping and advancing CWU's visual identity and storytelling. As a member of a collaborative team of professional creatives, this position leads the design development and implementation on assigned projects, developing high-level design concepts and executing brand-aligned visual campaigns in partnership with the marketing and communications teams. The Graphic Designer is responsible for the full creative cycle on projects, from conceptual development to final execution, in support of recruiting, retention, academic promotion, reputation enhancement, and community engagement.

This role produces a broad range of assets, from print publications and promotional materials to digital advertising, social media content, and comprehensive campaign designs, ensuring consistent, brand-aligned visuals that support the university's strategic goals. Additionally, the Graphic Designer collaborates closely with marketing and communications colleagues and provides mentorship to student employees, fostering a supportive learning environment.

All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence. The Graphic Designer supports the mission, vision, and values of CWU by creating and promoting a culture of welcoming and belonging for potential students and families as well as the current CWU community. They practice inclusivity and engaging those they influence/lead in meaningful work that fosters strong relationships, stewardship of resources, and the integration of diverse perspectives.

Job Duties

Graphic Design and Production:
-

Serves as the creative lead for assigned projects, developing high-quality, brand-aligned materials that visually express CWU's identity and support university priorities.
- Designs and produces a wide variety of marketing assets including, but not limited to: print and digital publications, academic program promotional materials, recruiting and admissions collateral, signage, event branding, digital advertising, email campaigns, and social media graphics.
- Plays a key role in implementing CWU's new brand visual identity across all university design assets, ensuring consistency and audience resonance.
- Collaborates with the Marketing and Communications teams to concept, design, and deliver engaging, cohesive campaigns that elevate CWU's visibility, drive enrollment, and strengthen academic program reputation.
- Partners with university departments, including academic colleges and programs, to develop tailored marketing materials that highlight program strength and brand consistency.
- Collaborates with web developers and digital marketing to ensure visual consistency and usability in digital environments.
- Applies digital accessibility best practices in visual design, including alt-text guidelines, color contrast, and readability standards.
- Develops graphics for large-format and environmental applications, including wall graphics, environmental banners, vehicle and other decals, billboards, and large experiential signage and displays.
- Communicates proactively and professionally with internal clients, colleagues, and external vendors to understand project goals, propose creative solutions, and deliver exceptional work.
- Prepares and packages files for print production, including managing color profiles, bleeds, die-cuts, and file formatting for offset and digital printing. Coordinates production timelines and proofs with outside vendors.
- Researches design trends, user experience best practices, and higher education marketing strategies to inform creative work.
- Adheres to CWU brand guidelines while contributing to the ongoing evolution of the university's visual identity.

Client Relations, Project Management, and Brand Management:
-

Works closely with marketing project managers to plan and execute creative projects, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and strategic goals are met.
- Develops and presents design concepts for feedback and approval.
- Trains clients on use and implementation of templated design elements and assets.
- Builds strong collaborative relationships with university partners, particularly in supporting academic colleges, departments, and administrative units in their promotional efforts.
- Packages and archives design work according to departmental standards using project management and digital asset management systems.
- Contributes to process improvements, workflow optimizations, and quality assurance for marketing and communications projects.
- Collaboratively monitors and oversees the licensing process through Brandmanager 360, ensuring proper approval of merchandized branded items
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design or related field OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
Demonstrated ability to tell a visual branded story.
Excellent understanding of design principles.
Excellent communication skills and attentiveness to details (proofreading, editing).
Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.
OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in higher education.
Experience working closely with a marketing team.
Experience supporting brand implementation initiatives within a complex organization.
Knowledge of higher education marketing trends and academic program promotion strategies.
Experience with animation software, video, and/or photo.
Experience or interest in mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds.
Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.
Competencies

Accountability/Dependability:

Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
Judgement:

Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
Teamwork:

Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
Adaptability/Flexibility:

Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
Commitment to Belonging:

Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.
Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary

: This position is based on the range 48 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum annual salary of $51,840 and maximum annual salary of $69,744. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Appointment

: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch)

Working Conditions

: Work is performed in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.

Benefits

: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;
Resume including work history, education, training;
A digital portfolio of your design work; and
Contact information for three professional references.
Screening Begins: May 18, 2026

**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Ashford Stamper
Title: Director Strategic Communications & Digital Media
Email: Ashford.Stamper@cwu.edu
Phone: (509-963-1222
Website: www.cwu.edu/about/offices/marketing-communications/

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.