Senior Graphic Designer, Health Sciences Development

This is a hybrid role.

About the role

As the Senior Graphic Designer for UCLA Health Sciences Development (HSD), you will serve as a strategic visual leader and subject matter expert, translating complex stories and concepts into distinctive print and digital communications that inspire support from the global community. You will focus on assignments requiring refined design elements and execution of complex, high-quality designs and visual communications. This position demands a critical, analytical, imaginative, and strategic visual mindset, along with a keen eye for bold aesthetics and strong creative flair.

You will work with a collaborative, ambitious team committed to raising support for one of the world's most advanced healthcare systems, operating with a high degree of autonomy to provide recommendations and feedback that drive fundraising strategies. Responsibilities include mentoring staff, guiding external vendors, and designing high-impact communications for transformational donor gifts. This role offers the opportunity to expand your career while translating stories, concepts, and strategies into creative, effective, and distinctive visuals aligned with the UCLA Health brand.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex stories and concepts into print and digital communications that inspire donor support.
• Execute sophisticated and high-quality designs for fundraising strategies.
• Provide strategic visual recommendations and feedback to drive fundraising initiatives.
• Mentor staff and guide external vendors in design best practices.
• Design high-impact communications for transformational donor gifts.
• Devise realistic and comprehensive production schedules, estimate and track project expenses and timelines, and manage project components with minimal supervision.
• Interpret client needs based on project nature, budget, and objectives, and follow through on projects independently.
• Make bold aesthetic decisions and execute sophisticated visual strategies.
• Build and organize files for print, digital design, and web-based platforms, including site creation and email marketing.
• Govern end-to-end design production, manage layout, typography, and print specifications, and conform to established style guides.
• Apply knowledge of printing and production processes to plan and execute assignments, including working with local vendors.
• Collaborate with internal and external constituents, responding to design-related strategies, inquiries, and concerns.
• Problem-solve, make corrections as needed, and offer appropriate solutions.
• Gather resources and information needed to complete projects efficiently.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of prior experience in a marketing/communications environment, preferably in an agency, creative corporate client, or non-profit organization with a strong creative flair, versatility, and conceptual/visual ability.
• Proficient design, composition, and production experience using Mac systems, Microsoft, and other software.
• High-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (including AfterEffects and motion graphics), InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other layout programs.
• Working knowledge of HTML/CSS.
• Strong time and project management skills, with the ability to work independently and interpret client needs.
• Sophisticated knowledge of graphic design principles, tools, and practices, including layout, typography, and print specifications.
• Strong understanding of multimedia design, including print, digital, and web-based platforms.
• Strong knowledge of user experience/user interface (UX/UI) principles and best practices.
• Strong knowledge of printing and production processes, including vendor performance and pricing.
• Diplomatic interpersonal skills with the ability to build cooperative relationships across diverse internal and external constituents.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous situations.
• Excellent written communication skills, including proofreading and editing for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail, deadline-driven, and able to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Strong verbal communication and active listening skills, with a willingness to collaborate and mentor team members.
• Innovative and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changes and offer solutions.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles/techniques and their application to graphic design for fundraising materials (preferred).
• Prior experience with Blackbaud CRM or other fundraising databases (preferred).
• Working knowledge of UCLA, its organization, structure, and roles of academic/administrative units (preferred).
• Knowledge of UCLA icons, history, and graphics (preferred).
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed.

Benefits

UCLA offers exceptional benefits starting on day one, including a pension and robust retirement savings plans. Explore more at the UC Benefit package and calculate total compensation using the UC Total Compensation Estimator.

Pay

UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors such as budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure, certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation. This position is union/policy covered (99-Policy Covered).