Visual Communications Designer

Department: NUQ Marketing

Salary/Grade: EXS/8

The Visual Communications Designer at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) is responsible for developing high-quality visual content that communicates NU-Q’s brand identity, supports institutional storytelling, and enhances the university’s internal and external communications. Working closely with the Assistant Dean of Communications and Public Affairs and the wider CPA team, the designer will produce print and digital assets for events, campaigns, publications, social media, and presentations, ensuring visual consistency across all platforms.

• Create compelling designs for web, social media, print collateral, reports, digital screens, event branding, and promotional materials.
• Ensure alignment with Northwestern University’s brand guidelines and maintain visual consistency across departments and platforms.
• Conceptualise, design, and customise Northwestern’s brand for its Qatar campus by developing clear protocols, guidelines and systems for long‑term use.
• Contribute to the development of new templates, iconography, infographics, and layouts that support storytelling and data visualization.
• Translate strategic concepts and messages into clear, effective visual outputs.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, from concept to final delivery, ensuring timeliness and quality control.
• Liaise with printers, vendors, and freelancers to produce high‑quality materials.
• Maintain an organized library of templates, brand assets, and final artworks for internal use and reference.

• Work collaboratively with writers, editors, web and social media leads, and other CPA staff to produce integrated campaigns.
• Provide design support for university‑wide initiatives, senior leadership communications, and external engagement efforts.
• Support live events and activations with on‑site design needs such as signage, presentations, and branded assets.

• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Participate in regular team meetings and workshops.
• Support documentation and shared resources to enhance knowledge retention.

Other duties, as assigned by the Assistant Dean and senior leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in graphic design, preferably in a communications, media, or academic setting.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere/After Effects), PowerPoint, and Canva.
• Strong understanding of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.
• Ability to take feedback constructively and translate it into improved design iterations.
• Excellent time‑management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced environment.

• Astute knowledge of design principles, standards, and best practices.
• Firm grasp of institutional branding, design workflows and experience with developing policies, systems and protocols.
• Photography, illustration, or visual storytelling experience.
• Familiarity with web and digital design, including responsive layouts and accessibility standards.
• Experience with motion graphics, video editing, or animation is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of Arabic language and regional design sensibilities.

The target budgeted salary for this position is $70,020 to $90,260 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.