Athletics Graphic Designer

Location: Boulder, Colorado | Type: Full-time

About the role

CU Boulder Athletics encourages applications for a Graphic Designer! This role creates innovative and visually impactful designs and photography for assigned sports and departmental projects. Working closely with the Assistant Athletic Director, Creative and creative team, this position develops and delivers creative concepts from inception through final delivery while managing multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables.

Alongside the Assistant AD, Creative, this position is responsible for the conceptualization, design and production of communication and marketing materials for their assigned sports and projects; including but not limited to: print collateral, signage, advertising, photography, environmental graphics, motion and digital graphics. In partnership with the Assistant AD, Creative and three other athletic department graphic designers, this position helps build, maintain, and evolve a cohesive, recognizable University of Colorado Athletics brand by producing creative work that reflects the department's visual identity and strategic goals.

This position is responsible for promoting the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletics program, adhering to the principles of the Athletic Department’s Mission Statement, Core Values, Policies and Procedures, as well as the rules and regulations of the University, the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA.

Responsibilities

• Graphic Design
  • Develop creative concepts and produce high-quality graphic design projects for assigned sports and departmental initiatives from concept through final delivery.
  • Create effective design pieces to support CU Athletic departments/teams, including but not limited to: social media graphics, website ads, internal and external emails, motion graphics (GIFs), print collateral, logos, flyers, posters, t-shirts, presentations, vehicle and wall wraps, promotional items, print ads, billboards, etc.
  • Ensure all digital and printed materials are consistent with the Athletic Department brand and graphic standards using approved elements and assets.
  • Properly prepare and prep (for print or web) all offset and digital print jobs using bleeds, CMYK or RGB images, approved fonts, process and Pantone colors.
  • Work with internal and external departments/vendors to ensure standards of excellence are met (i.e., quality, content, pricing, and turnaround).
  • Maintain regular communication with the Assistant AD, Creative and requesting individuals regarding project status, priorities, and timelines.
• Photography
  • Capture, edit, and deliver high-quality photography supporting assigned sports and departmental initiatives.
  • Photograph recruiting visits, game days, student-athlete content days, NIL initiatives, special events, and other departmental needs.
  • Edit, archive, keyword, and organize photography assets for future use while maintaining consistent visual standards.
• Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Creative staff, Communications, Marketing, BuffVision, and student designers to develop creative concepts and maintain a cohesive visual identity.
  • Serve as a point of contact for assigned sports and projects; work with staff members on creative jobs, proactively discuss scope and expectations of each project, and communicate with these internal customers on the status of their projects through completion.
  • Coordinate with outside production vendors to get quotes, production timelines, and proper delivery of art files, seeing projects through to completion and delivery.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to student intern graphic designers as they assist with Athletic Dept. graphic design needs.
• Brand Management
  • Ensure that all athletic department designed materials adhere to established department brand guidelines.
  • Serve as a department resource for all questions related to design execution related to brand guidelines.
• File Management
  • Use and maintain the department's project management system (Asana) to prioritize, organize, and track creative workflow.
  • Manage and maintain an organized Adobe Creative Cloud digital asset library.
  • Keyword, upload, and sort files in Sony Ci.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in graphic design, communications, arts, or equivalent. Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• Minimum of one year of directly related graphic design experience (preferably in sports).

Qualifications

• Demonstrated visual design skills (e.g., typography, color, layout, traditional offset and digital printing technologies, etc.).
• External relationship management.
• Organizational skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• High proficiency in Adobe CC, primarily Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Photography experience.
• Experience with PhotoMechanic or similar keywording system.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours and possibly weekends, as many games occur on weekends and/or traditional workday hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Adobe After Effects.
• General college athletics knowledge.
• Advanced understanding and working knowledge of studio and sports photography.
• 3-5 years of directly related creative design experience.

Schedule

This role is on-site. Occasional weekends will be required for game days.

Pay

$58,200 - $67,500

Benefits

• Relocation assistance is available within Athletics Department Guidelines.
• Athletic Event Tickets: Per Athletic Department Policy and NCAA regulations.
• Nike Elite Employee Benefit: Per Nike Elite Policy.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.