Graphic Designer​/Photographer

Summary

Howard Community College seeks a creative, detail-oriented Graphic Designer / Photographer to support the college's strategic marketing and communication efforts. This hybrid role combines strong visual design skills with professional photography to create compelling content across print, digital, web, and social media platforms. Reporting to the Art Director, the Graphic Designer / Photographer serves as a key visual storyteller for the college, providing photography services for the Office of the President and Public Relations & Marketing (PRM), while also producing high-quality graphic design materials that align with HCC's brand standards and marketing goals.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Art Director, Senior Graphic Designer, and PRM team members to consult on creative needs, execute projects, and support recruitment, promotional, editorial, and institutional initiatives.

• Design marketing and communication materials for print, digital, web, and social media platforms.
• Collaborate with the Art Director and Senior Graphic Designer to ensure consistent application of the HCC brand and visual identity.
• Consult with internal clients to understand project goals, timelines, and design specifications.
• Execute design work including layout, typography, color, imagery, and visual hierarchy.
• Produce digital proof and manage revisions based on feedback.
• Prepare final files according to printer, publisher, or platform specifications; review and approve proofs when required.
• Maintain organized file storage of design assets and final deliverables for departmental use.
• Plan, schedule, and execute photography shoots under the direction of the Art Director.
• Provide event, editorial, and portrait photography for a wide range of college initiatives.
• Coordinate photo shoots by scheduling students, faculty, staff, VIPs, facilities, and locations; communicate logistics clearly with all stakeholders.
• Develop shot lists in collaboration with clients and design staff.
• Edit and process images, including color correction, retouching, RAW file processing, and file conversion using professional photo-editing software.
• Manage photo metadata, organization, and archival standards; help to edit and manage PRM's photo database.
• Maintain student photo and video consent forms and related documentation.
• Monitor, maintain, and recommend updates to camera, lighting, and video equipment.
• Provide photography, video, and multimedia assets for websites, social media, press releases, and print and digital publications.
• Be available to cover occasional evening or weekend events as needed.

• Support PRM social media efforts through photography, graphic assets, and visual storytelling.
• Stay current with design, photography, and multimedia trends through ongoing professional development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Support the college's sustainability initiatives, including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic prosperity.

Associate's degree

At least 3 years of professional experience.

• Associate degree in graphic design, photography, communications, multimedia design, or a related field, plus at least three (3) years of professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite on a PC platform.
• Strong graphic design skills for print and digital media, including social media best practices.
• Proficiency in photo editing across multiple file types, including RAW, using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
• In-depth knowledge of photography principles and professional DSLR camera equipment, including lighting and lenses.
• Strong understanding of branding, visual communication, and multimedia storytelling.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong customer-service mindset.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to work on occasional evenings or weekends and perform limited local travel.
• Reliable attendance and dependable work performance.
• Experience with Canva is a plus.
• Commitment to regular attendance and reliable work performance.

• Shared office with Senior Graphic Designer and Photographer/Graphic Designer.
• Eligibility to telework up to two (2) days per week.
• Some local travel is required.

Howard Community College offers competitive salaries, excellent medical and dental selections, tuition reimbursement and paid leave programs. As a participating member of the Maryland Retirement and Pension System, HCC offers two retirement options:
The Pension, which requires a 7% employee contribution and The ORP, a 403(b) with a 7.25% employer contribution only. Employees in positions that do not require a bachelor's degree must participate in The Pension. Employees that possess a…