Designer, University Communications

University Communications is the strategic communications department for the University of Virginia. We are writers, editors, spokespeople, marketers, designers, photographers, video producers, social media and operations experts, web developers and more. We unite our skills for effective, engaging communications and marketing to showcase UVA as a model of excellence in higher education.

We inform. We inspire. And we serve as stewards of the University’s iconic brand, showing how UVA improves lives within our own community, across the commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

University Communications seeks a designer to join the Brand Studio, supporting the UVA brand through thoughtful, accurate and engaging visual work. Reporting to the associate creative director, the designer translates strategy and content into clear, effective, accessible and on-brand designs across digital and print channels. The role contributes to larger initiatives and collaborates with writers, editors, developers, photographers, video producers, marketing professionals, licensing partners, social media managers and other designers.

• Create and produce visual content for marketing, digital, licensing, environmental, print applications, editorial and social media as needed.
• Develop layouts, typography, graphics, photo treatments, illustrations, infographics, presentation materials, website assets and production-ready files for marketing campaigns and other priorities.
• Select, size, crop, and retouch photography and other visual assets; create collages, photo illustrations and supporting artwork when appropriate.
• Support digital storytelling by designing responsive page elements and helping determine effective placement of images, pull quotes, calls to action, and other content components.
• Apply University brand standards consistently while contributing fresh ideas and identifying opportunities to improve visual communication.
• Own assignments from concept through final file delivery, including file preparation, creative and internal review, version control, coordination with internal production partners and proper cataloguing and archiving of files.
• Participate in creative briefings, critiques, project meetings and team planning; clearly explain design choices and incorporate feedback constructively.
• Distill feedback from multiple stakeholders, exercising sound creative judgment to reconcile differing perspectives and develop and present thoughtful design options that advance project goals.
• Manage multiple assignments, maintain accurate project status information and deliver high-quality work on schedule.
• Stay current with design, digital storytelling, accessibility and production practices and apply relevant approaches to the work.

• Working knowledge of graphic design principles, including typography, layout, composition, color theory, hierarchy and the effective use of photography, illustration and digital graphics.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop; working knowledge of PowerPoint and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to design both digital and print environments and prepare accurate, production-ready files.
• Strong attention to detail, visual judgment, organization and accuracy.
• Ability to receive direction, present work, explain design rationale, solve problems and collaborate effectively with colleagues from multiple disciplines.
• Ability to manage several assignments at once in a deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with digital accessibility requirements and accessible design principles.

• Experience with Figma, responsive web design, HTML/CSS or website prototyping and wire framing.
• Experience with illustration, data visualization or motion design
• Experience in higher education, marketing agencies or another strongly branded organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, consistent with University policy.
• A portfolio demonstrating capability…