Creative Content Specialist - Graphic Designer

University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking a Creative Content Specialist – Graphic Designer to join the multimedia content team. This role focuses on creating innovative, high-impact video and graphic content to elevate the visibility, brand, and storytelling efforts of Mizzou Athletics.

About the Role

Reporting to the Creative Director, this position conceptualizes, captures, edits, and delivers compelling graphics and visual assets across digital, social, advertising, sponsorship, recruiting, marketing, and departmental platforms. The role collaborates with marketing, communications, fundraising, Mizzou Sports Properties, Every True Tiger, and other internal and external partners to develop creative content that authentically connects Mizzou Athletics with its fans, student-athletes, corporate partners, and broader audiences.

This role requires a highly creative, detail-oriented, and adaptable professional who can maintain strong brand standards while staying at the forefront of emerging design trends, technologies, and visual storytelling techniques.

Responsibilities

• Graphic Design and Creative Content Production (40%)
  • Conceptualize, design, and produce high-quality graphic content supporting Mizzou Athletics marketing initiatives, sponsorship campaigns, departmental storytelling, and major events.
  • Develop a wide range of visual assets, including social media graphics, digital advertisements, promotional materials, campaign creative, event graphics, recruiting materials, and other department communications.
  • Create visually compelling designs that effectively communicate the excellence, energy, and competitive identity of Mizzou Athletics.
  • Manage creative projects from concept development through final delivery, including design, revisions, production, and distribution.
  • Ensure all creative work consistently reflects Mizzou Athletics' visual identity, brand standards, and established design guidelines.
• Digital Storytelling and Brand Development (25%)
  • Develop innovative visual storytelling concepts that showcase the reach, influence, and success of Mizzou Athletics, its student-athletes, coaches, and programs.
  • Create engaging graphics and visual campaigns optimized for social media, digital platforms, and other audience-facing channels.
  • Collaborate with creative and marketing staff to identify opportunities for timely, engaging, and innovative visual storytelling.
  • Develop design concepts that strengthen individual sport brands while maintaining consistency with the overall Mizzou Athletics identity.
  • Support department-wide priorities, including marketing, fan engagement, fundraising, recruiting, and major initiatives through strategic visual communications.
• Strategic Collaboration and Partnership Content (15%)
  • Collaborate closely with the Creative Director, marketing staff, communications team, Mizzou Sports Properties, and Every True Tiger to develop cohesive creative strategies and campaigns.
  • Create branded and sponsored graphic content that allows corporate partners to authentically connect with Mizzou Athletics audiences.
  • Work with student-athletes, coaches, and staff to develop creative concepts that effectively highlight programs, individuals, and department initiatives.
  • Participate in creative planning meetings and contribute design concepts and ideas that advance department-wide marketing and communications strategies.
  • Ensure partner and sponsored creative aligns with Mizzou Athletics brand standards and established creative objectives.
• Digital Design and Content Optimization (10%)
  • Design and optimize creative assets for social media, digital advertising, websites, email, mobile platforms, and official Mizzou Athletics channels.
  • Develop graphics in appropriate formats, dimensions, and specifications for various digital platforms.
  • Utilize audience engagement and performance insights to inform future creative strategies and design approaches.
  • Organize, maintain, and manage digital design files, templates, photography, and other creative assets to support efficient production and future use.
  • Ensure timely delivery of creative assets to internal departments, external partners, and digital platforms.
• Design Innovation, Technology, and Industry Trends (10%)
  • Monitor emerging graphic design, digital media, social media, and creative technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.
  • Explore new design techniques, visual styles, formats, and platforms to keep Mizzou Athletics at the forefront of college athletics creative content.
  • Evaluate and implement new tools, workflows, and technologies that improve creative efficiency, collaboration, and design quality.
  • Maintain knowledge of current trends in collegiate athletics, sports marketing, graphic design, digital storytelling, and audience engagement.
  • Contribute to a forward-thinking, collaborative creative culture that supports the continued evolution of Mizzou Athletics' visual identity and multimedia presence.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Nights, weekends, and travel as required.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with at least 2 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior graphic design experience is preferred.

Pay

Salary range: $54,000.00 – $56,000.00 per year.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Paid caregiver leave
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses

Location

Columbia, Missouri, offers a high quality of life with small-town friendliness and big-city features. Known as an ideal college town, Columbia is centrally located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, providing easy access to St. Louis and Kansas City. The city hosts a variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, and over a dozen festivals annually, making it an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.