Graphic Designer

About the role

The Graphic Designer, Strategic Communications, is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Executive Director, Strategic Communications. The role produces high-quality print and digital work for fundraising and stewardship efforts on behalf of UC and UC Health. Clear, confident communication with the ability to think quickly, respond candidly, take initiative, and meet deadlines is essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as UC Foundation brand ambassador and advocate, ensuring a cohesive look/feel/tone and a unified brand across the foundation, UC, and UC Health, adhering to branding guidelines and industry best practices and trends.
• Conceptualize original ideas and execute them through all stages of the design process for a variety of print and web visual communication pieces, including but not limited to printed fundraising solicitation materials, custom proposals, custom gifts, direct mail, event collateral, and multi-channel responsive web and email design.
• Contribute to campaign planning, brainstorming, and initiatives specific to all the colleges and units worked with, bringing UC Foundation’s mission to life through compelling, consistent design.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure strong organization of both digital and print archives and other digital assets including photos and videos.
• Manage estimating and print production processes with vendors.
• Assist on video and photo shoots as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field and 1-3 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience; agency experience preferred.
• Portfolio of design work.
• Exceptional skill using Adobe Creative Cloud (primarily InDesign for print layouts, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Microsoft Office 365 (primarily Word and PowerPoint) in a Mac environment. Experience with Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, and Really Good Emails considered a plus.
• Outstanding client relationship skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong negotiation, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Thorough understanding of printing processes, offset and digital printing technologies, and best practices.
• Strong command of print and digital design, USPS and direct mail standards, and industry standards of email and web optimization techniques.
• Ability to partner and grow relationships with vendors/freelancers, including photographers and videographers.
• Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workflow.
• Basic copywriting/writing/content skills a plus.

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus.
• Competitive health and wellness benefits.
• Tuition remission.
• Retirement with employer match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays, including calendar year-end closing.

Pay

The anticipated starting salary range for the Graphic Designer role is $60,000 to $70,000 annually.

Physical Demands

This position is considered to have sedentary work, exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The role requires standing, walking, finger use, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, this position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).

Pre-Hire Requirements

All offers of full-time employment are contingent upon passing a criminal background check and drug test. Positions requiring a degree are also contingent upon education verification.