Graphic Designer, University Relations

University Relations at the University of Denver shapes and amplifies the university’s voice to promote its reputation, inspire student engagement, foster inclusion, and strengthen the institution. The team drives strategic storytelling across channels—public relations, digital media, social platforms, print, podcasts, crisis management, and community relations—with a focus on key value drivers: academics, research, enrollment, athletics, and advancement. Through collaborative problem-solving and creative innovation, University Relations connects with diverse audiences to advance DU’s mission.

About the role

Guided by creative leadership, the graphic designer will apply creativity, technical skills, and design expertise to develop and execute concepts that support university marketing and communications goals. This role spans print, digital, and multimedia channels, often under tight deadlines, and plays a key part in evolving DU’s brand expression and brand kit. The designer will create templates, branded assets, and visual tools while serving as a brand advocate across campus. Working within a highly collaborative team, the designer will partner daily with division leadership, other creatives, and marketing colleagues. Ideal candidates thrive in an integrated team environment, engage in proactive planning, and provide recommendations to keep projects on track.

Responsibilities

• Execute design concepts through images, layouts, motion, and other elements across digital, print, photo, and video, including revisions and optimizations based on performance.
• Generate and present design concepts under the supervision of creative leadership.
• Serve as a brand steward, consultant, and advocate, upholding visual standards while collaborating with leadership to maintain and refine the brand.
• Use the division-wide project management system for all projects, files, and time tracking, providing timely status updates.
• Create and maintain brand kit assets—including design templates, branded materials, and training/documentation—to support the entire DU campus.
• Stay updated on industry trends and integrate innovative ideas into projects.

Requirements

• Demonstrated design success, with a portfolio showcasing conceptual thinking and strong execution.
• 2–4 years of experience in graphic and visual design for both print and digital platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or military training in graphic design, digital design, or a related field. Candidates with an associate degree and relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply.
• Proficiency in photo editing.

Skills

• Ability to work across digital, print, photo, and video media.
• Excellent design skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to generate creative ideas and lead their execution.
• Competency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and Canva.
• Competency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Ability to take feedback constructively and iterate on designs from multiple stakeholders with differing opinions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while managing multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues at all organizational levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating design templates, ideally in Canva, for users of varying skill levels across a complex organization.
• Experience in motion graphics and video editing.
• Experience in photo capture.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, typically with 3 days per week in the office and 2 days remotely, depending on team and division needs.

Pay

The salary for this position is $62,500. The University of Denver provides a compensation range as a good-faith estimate at the time of posting. The final salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget availability, and market information, but not on protected status.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition benefit.
• ECO pass (public transit).