Graphic Designer

DEPARTMENT: Institutional Advancement - Communications and Media Relations

SUPERVISED BY: Associate Vice President for Communications and Media Relations

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Graphic Designer manages the Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) design projects to support development, communications and alumni relations goals and creates and develops materials for community and overall visibility and awareness building for Seton Hill University. This position designs two major publications, the Forward magazine (spring issue) and the Forward/Honor Roll of Donors (fall issue) for IA; both publications are sent to alumni, donors and friends of Seton Hill.  The Graphic Designer serves as a liaison to select vendors and assists the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Associate Vice Presidents, and the Senior Writer for Advancement with the development of IA fundraising, alumni relations, advertising, event, media relations and communications materials and projects.

This position works closely with the Associate Vice President for Communications and Media Relations and the Senior Writer for Advancement to provide materials (e.g. magazines, special publications, specialty logos, ads, postcards, pamphlets, programs, invitations, brochures, digital marketing pieces, video and social media graphics, motion graphics, etc.) annual fund, capital campaign, alumni relations, and general visibility pieces to alumni, friend, and donor audiences. The Graphic Designer is responsible for overall project management as well as print production. The Graphic Designer also works with the Senior Graphic Designer and Visual Identity Officer based in the Office of Marketing to ensure that all materials developed, particularly Forward magazine, follow the University Style Guide, ensuring strict adherence to University creative and brand standards. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

• Oversee the creative development, design, redesign and production of a wide range of communications, including advertising and event collateral (print/digital), web/social graphics, advertising pieces, signage, logos and other branded materials, as well as videos and other electronic/digital projects


• Execute the layout and production of two issues of the Seton Hill University magazine, Forward (spring) and Forward/Honor Roll of Donors (fall), working with the Senior Graphic Designer and Visual Identity Officer in the Office of Marketing to adhere to creative and brand standards.


• Design special publications tied to fundraising activities and/or donor relations (e.g. Alumni Weekend brochure, Homecoming brochure, Distinguished Alumni program, Day of Giving materials, etc.)


• Edit, retouch and color correct photographs.


• Oversee the print production process and properly set up files for print.


• Meet with IA staff to develop a calendar for production of IA projects; manage deadlines and priorities.


• Manage requests received through the Graphic Design Request Form to ensure all projects are managed in a timely way.


• Oversee the project/job list and recommend adjustments as necessary.


• Estimate the time required to complete the work to meet deadlines; collaborate with the Associate Vice President for Communications and Media Relations to recommend freelance assignments.


• Create and produce, in collaboration with the Senior Graphic Designer, new ideas and concepts for IA materials in line with the University’s style guide.


• Demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and stay well informed of emerging design trends, programs and technologies through engagement in professional organizations and through regular meetings with the Senior Graphic Designer.


• Mentor graphic design interns as needed and delegate projects to them.


• Perform all other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design 


• Experience in project management 


• Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, etc.), along with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive).
  
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous work in higher education or the nonprofit sector 


• Skills in animation, illustration, photography and/or video
  
   

Required applicant materials include: Cover Letter, Resume and Portfolio of Graphic Design work. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.  Applications received by August 14 will receive priority consideration.  All finalists will be required to submit a reflection statement to Seton Hill’s Mission.