Graphic Designer, University Relations

The University Relations division at the University of Denver speaks with a unified, authentic and resonant voice to strategically advance the university's brand with four goals in mind:

1. To promote and protect DUs reputation

2. To inspire students to enroll and engage

3. To increase inclusion

4. To strengthen the University

The University Relations team aims to strengthen DU's strategic position locally, regionally and nationally through data-driven and authentic storytelling across multiple channels with focused support on the university's value drivers: academics and research; enrollment and admissions, athletics and advancement. Whether through public or media relations, digital strategies, social media, print, podcast, issues or crisis management, community relations or thought leadership and training, University Relations drives results through narratives that involve words, pictures and design.

With a true understanding of and connection with our diverse audiences, we aim to foster collaborative problem solving, creativity and innovation.

Position Summary

With guidance from creative leadership, the graphic designer will use their creativity, technical skills, and design expertise to craft and execute design concepts in support of university marketing and communications goals. Their work will span a variety of channels, including print, digital, and multimedia - often under tight deadlines.

The graphic designer will play a key role in evolving the university's brand expression and brand kit, including creating design templates, branded assets, and other visual tools. They will serve as a key brand advocate for the entire DU campus.

As part of a highly collaborative marketing team, the graphic designer will work closely with division leadership, other creatives, marketing and communications colleagues on a daily basis. This role is best suited for a designer who prefers to work as part of an integrated creative team. The graphic designer will be expected to engage in proactive planning and provide recommendations to team leadership to keep projects running smoothly.

Essential Functions

* Execute design concepts through images, layouts, motion, and other design elements across a variety of media, including digital, print, photo and video, including making revisions and optimizations based on performance.

* Generate and present design concepts under the supervision of creative leadership.

* Serve as a brand steward, consultant and advocate, holding established visual standards while continuing to work with division leadership to maintain and optimize the brand.

* Use division-wide project management system for all projects, related files, and time tracking, including providing timely status updates.

* Create and maintain brand kit assets in support of the entire DU campus, including design templates, branded assets, and training/documentation.

* Stay updated on industry trends and integrate innovative ideas into projects.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

* Ability to work in various media, including digital, print, photo, and video.

* Excellent design skills and meticulous attention to detail.

* Ability to generate creative ideas and lead execution of these ideas.

* Competency in industry standard design software, including Adobe Creative Cloud design programs, Figma, and Canva.

* Competency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

* Ability to take feedback constructively and iterate on designs and ideas from multiple stakeholders with differing opinions.

* Ability to work in a fast-paced collaborative environment, juggling multiple deadlines at once.

* Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues across different levels of the organization.

* Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.

Required Qualifications

* Demonstrated design success, with a supporting design portfolio that highlights both conceptual thinking and strong execution.

* 2-4 years' experience in graphic and visual design, both in print and digital platforms.

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or military training in graphic design, digital design, or…