CIRES/Graphic Designer and Communications Specialist

Overview

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Graphic Designer and Communications Specialist within the CIRES Communications team. This is a full-time professional position at the intersection of graphic design, brand thinking, and science communication. CIRES is a leader in environmental science research with activities across publications, trainings, and strategic communication to diverse audiences.
What You Should Know: This is a full-time, ongoing position based in Boulder, CO. Hybrid schedule with in-person requirements and travel as needed. The posting will close on May 29, 2026.
Responsibilities

Visual Design and Brand Leadership (~30%): serve as the primary graphic designer for CIRES Communications, producing visual assets across print and digital channels; lead design for Spheres magazine and other publications; develop branding frameworks; participate in strategic brand redesign; maintain design templates, style guides, and standards.
User-Centered Design for Science Communication Products (~20%): apply design research and user-centered methods to improve science communication products; collaborate with scientists to understand audience needs and create interventions; map CIRES research landscape to inform strategy and identity; facilitate workshops and co-design sessions.
Training and Capacity Building (~20%): develop and deliver trainings on design fundamentals and tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Google Slides); build design literacy across CIRES; create training materials and templates; engage faculty champions to sustain training programs.
Writing, Editing, and Publication Production (~15%): write and edit content for CIRES publications and digital channels; serve as copy editor and production editor for long-form publications; contribute to integrated publication workflows.
Cross-Institutional Collaboration and Strategic Communication (~15%): partner with CIRES labs, program managers, and communicators; support senior leadership with high-visibility design needs; contribute to social media visuals, web graphics, photography support, and events; perform other duties as needed (up to 5%).
What You Should Know (cont.)

Full-time, contingent on funding; based in Boulder; hybrid schedule with in-office requirements; some travel ( No visa sponsorship and access to NOAA facilities with clearance requirements.
Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; strong project management and ability to manage multiple projects.
Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field.
Minimum three (3) years of professional experience in graphic design with a portfolio in editorial design, branding, information design, or science communication visuals.
Experience leading or substantially contributing to long-form publication design.
What You Will Need

Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); ability to produce professional-quality work across formats.
Strong typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy for print and digital media.
Ability to communicate complex scientific information visually for non-specialists; strong independent writing/editing skills for publication-ready content.
Ability to manage multiple design projects and meet deadlines; knowledge of brand identity systems; ability to train others in design concepts.
Ability to collaborate with scientists, editors, and staff; high attention to detail and quality assurance.
Desirable Experience

Seven (7) years of experience with a matching portfolio; experience with user-centered design methods, design research, or design thinking; familiarity with science communication or federal research contexts; accessibility expertise for digital content; experience with print vendors and prepress; basic CSS/HTML or CMS familiarity; video/motion graphics experience; graduate degree or related training.
Special Instructions

Apply with: resume or CV, cover letter, portfolio (link or PDF, max 10 pages), and 3 professional references (optional to provide at finalist stage).
Degree verification may be conducted; translated documents optional for degrees from outside the United States.
Posting closes May 29, 2026.
Posting and Contact

Application materials will be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs. For questions, contact the posting representative. Be sure to redact age-identifying information if included in any materials.

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