Athletics Graphic Designer

CU Boulder Athletics is seeking a Graphic Designer to create innovative and visually impactful designs and photography for assigned sports and departmental projects. This role involves working closely with the Assistant Athletic Director, Creative and the creative team to develop and deliver creative concepts from inception through final delivery while managing multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables.

About the Role

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. The role promotes the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletics program while 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, and billboards.
  • 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 (e.g., 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, and communicate project status through completion.
  • Coordinate with outside production vendors to obtain quotes, production timelines, and proper delivery of art files, seeing projects through to completion.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to student intern graphic designers as they assist with Athletic Department 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 within 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.

Schedule

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

Pay

$58,200 - $67,500

Benefits

• Relocation assistance (within Athletics Department Guidelines).
• Athletic Event Tickets (per Athletic Department Policy and NCAA regulations).
• Nike Elite Employee Benefit (per Nike Elite Policy).
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition assistance for you and your dependents.
• ECO Pass for local transit.
• Access to world-class outdoor recreation and additional perks through the CU Advantage program.

Requirements

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

Skills

• Demonstrated visual design skills (e.g., typography, color, layout, traditional offset, and digital printing technologies).
• External relationship management.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, primarily Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Photography experience.
• Experience with PhotoMechanic or similar keywording systems.
• 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, including weekends as needed.

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.