Senior Graphic Designer

The Senior Graphic Designer is the brand systems owner for Fisk University, translating strategy into cohesive visual communications across print, digital, social, environmental, and campaign assets. This role sets the bar for design quality, evolves templates and toolkits, and partners with writers, content creators, and campus stakeholders to deliver polished, on-brand work.

Reporting Line

Reports to:

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Key Responsibilities

• Lead concept-to-delivery design for campaigns, brochures, reports, signage, digital ads, social graphics, email, and web assets.
• Advance and enforce the visual identity system (typography, color, grids, iconography, photo treatment); maintain brand guidelines.
• Build and maintain scalable templates/toolkits for campus partners; provide training and light governance support.
• Collaborate with the Content Creator to unify motion and static design; provide art direction on key shoots when needed.
• Prepare press-ready print files; manage specs, dielines, proofing, and vendor relationships; ensure accurate color reproduction.
• Ensure accessibility (contrast, legibility, alt text handoff) and compliance with licensing and usage rights.
• Traffic projects in collaboration with the marketing coordinator; maintain timelines amid competing priorities.
• Coordinate freelance designers/illustrators when needed; conduct portfolio reviews and quality checks.
• Contribute to web/UI asset production with the web team; ensure consistency across digital experiences.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive design experience with a strong portfolio of brand systems and campaign work (higher ed or nonprofit a plus).
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop; familiarity with After Effects or motion a plus.
• Mastery of typography, layout, and composition; ability to translate complex information into clear, elegant design.
• Experience preparing files for offset/digital print and managing production with vendors.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and version control; ability to juggle multiple deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a service mindset and the ability to give/receive creative feedback.
• Portfolio required for consideration.

Work Conditions

Occasional evening/weekend coverage for priority events; light travel for vendor proofs or location checks.

Creative Assignment

As part of the selection process, finalists will be asked to complete a brief creative assignment with a 48-hour turnaround. This exercise is designed to gauge timeliness, creative understanding, and ability to work under pressure. Submitted work will be used solely for evaluation purposes and will not be reused in any capacity by the University.