Graphic Designer

At Carroll University, we are committed to identifying and employing strategies to support our goal to be and remain a socially just organization. Rooted in the Presbyterian (U.S.A.) heritage, we respect all aspects of diversity, embrace the practice of equity, expect inclusion, and embrace belonging throughout our community. We seek applicants who can demonstrate their understanding of justice and who can inspire our increasingly diverse student population.

Location: In-person with flexibility to work remotely as needed. Occasional evening/weekend work for events or deadlines.

About the role

The Graphic Designer implements innovative design solutions that reflect creative, consistent brand messaging across a wide variety of collateral and media. This includes print, web, and mobile. This person must have a positive attitude and an ability to collaborate with various departments to brainstorm and present ideas and strategies.

Responsibilities

• Translate concepts into cutting-edge and effective visual designs for digital, social, mobile, and traditional media channels that reflect Carroll University's brand and support communications and marketing objectives.
• Bring a new perspective to the design and development of extensive print collateral, including the magazine, brochures, programs, postcards, direct mail pieces, advertisements, posters, and a variety of other projects as assigned.
• Provide design elements for multimedia projects, including web pages, web ads, e-newsletters, videos, F1RST Magazine, etc.
• Manage the print process, including vendor selection, timelines, prepress, quoting, and quality control.
• Perform preflight and prepress processes on all print files; package files and send them to printer; review printer proofs and secure proper approvals on all projects.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Graphic Design Intern(s), and internal clients, and assist in the selection of any outsourced creative. Ensure all projects are completed on budget and on time.
• Provide creative guidance and mentorship to Graphic Design Intern(s), including design feedback and quality assurance.
• Continually grow, learn, and experiment with new and innovative ways to solve client problems, and how to turn those solutions into innovative, dynamic creative executions.
• Manage creative briefs, requests, and projects in the MarCom project management system (Monday.com) to verify project details and ensure project timeliness.
• Maintain and update the corporate style guide. Assist in ensuring the Carroll and Carroll athletics brands identity, including logo and logo-mark usage, color palette, templates, etc. across all departments and brand platforms (Marq, Brand 360, Influxer, etc.).
• Actively participate in meetings/presentations with campus constituencies with the goal of building and strengthening relationships.
• Conduct ongoing research to help formulate ideas and drive effective creative, while staying ahead of best practices, trends, and new innovations in design, content generation/development, and technology.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Graphic Design or equivalent major.
• 6-8 years of graphic design experience incorporating a wide range of design capabilities in an in-house or agency setting (agency experience preferred).
• Strong visual sense with the ability to execute creative concepts to vision using Adobe Creative Suite; expert skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Copilot, Outlook).
• Portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual thinking, editorial design, typography, and brand consistency across print and digital platforms is required.
• Demonstrated commitment to design, communication, and client service.
• Extensive editorial/layout experience in print and strong typography skills. Experience in traditional prepress and production.
• Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, ability, socio-economic background, or job type.
• Excellent listening and communications skills with a focus on relationship building and customer service.
• Ability to pay strict attention to detail while juggling several complex projects.
• Candidates must be willing and able to support and advance Carroll University's purpose and mission.

Desired Skills

• Solid understanding of web design principles a plus.
• Working knowledge of digital media and interactive design programs a plus.
• Freehand illustration capabilities a plus.
• Experience art directing location and studio photo shoots for creative/graphic design projects a plus.
• Photography skills/experience a plus.
• Knowledge of accessible design principles (ADA, WCAG for digital, inclusive typography) a plus.
• Experience or interest in emerging design technologies (AI-assisted tools, automation, motion, or rapid prototyping).