Overview
The Graphic Designer is a member of the Communications and Public Relations Department and plays a key role in creating visual content that supports the college’s mission. This position is responsible for designing and producing a wide range of print and digital graphics and materials including multi-page publications, promotional and informational pieces and high-quality logos / graphics for both external and internal platforms. The Graphic Designer also manages the college Print Shop, overseeing print requests to ensure timely delivery of promotional, instructional and other materials as needed and excellent customer service to all stakeholders. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Branding & Marketing Director and the Communications and the Public Relations team, the Graphic Designer helps develop campaign themes and advertising concepts. The role also contributes to maintaining and strengthening the college brand, including creating or refining branding guidelines as needed. In addition, the Graphic Designer collaborates with other college departments and divisions to ensure that all official publications meet established standards and align with branding and graphics guidelines, while providing design and print support for a variety of college needs.
Essential Functions
- Maintain design and quality control for all publications that represent the college to all stakeholders and the public
- Collaborate with the Executive Director, the Communications and Public Relations team and other internal departments to develop ideas and concepts for new campaigns and / or new marketing materials for a variety of programs, initiatives and other projects
- In collaboration with the Communication and Public Relations team, the Graphic Designer will help ensure all department products and projects reflect a consistent brand and follow established guidelines including copyright laws and ADA compliance
- Coordinate college printing from concept, to binding and distribution
- Produce customized graphics, including but not limited to logos, infographics, illustrations, and vector files
- Create both print and digital materials, including but not limited to digital advertising, billboards, large format banners, vehicle / structure wraps, brochures, posters, cards, invitations, banners, and digital graphics for web and social media
- Use Mac platform and design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Quark to create flyers, brochures, posters, cards, invitations, banners, annual and other College reports, and newsletters
- Coordinate with the Printer to maintain printing and publicity requests for recruiting, marketing, instruction or other projects as needed
- Coordinate with the Printer to plan, organize and implement procedures required to effectively operate the Print Shop and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and efficiency
- Work to carry out strategic plan initiatives
- Prepare and present reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary to the Executive Director or other college administrators
- Ensure proper storage and back-up of design files
Marginal Functions
Recommend new systems and software to improve production qualityResearch and recommend quality print vendors for any outsourced productsWork with the Executive Director and Director, Branding and Marketing to research and recommend selection of equipment, software and processes; oversee contracts and communicate with contracted vendors / company representatives as needed.Coordinate with the Printer to maintain regular inventory of all print / graphics supplies.Attend college events and participate on college committees, professional groups or project teams as needed or assignedImprove self and department through continuous learning and operation excellence; engage in continuous improvement of processes; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of graphic design, printing, promotion, marketing and communications.Promote and support the college’s mission, vision, and valuesPerform other tasks as assignedThis position description covers the most essential functions and duties associated with this position. The President or appropriate supervisory personnel may assign additional duties. The College reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title with or without notice.
Knowledge of :
Advanced principles of advertising, marketing, communications and public relationsAdvanced principles of graphic design and desktop publishingAdobe software suite including PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator, Quark and other graphic design softwarePrinting and finishing operations and functions of a high-production print shopPrinciples and practices of inventory and cost controlEnglish usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation and excellent written and oral communication skillsExcellent customer service skillsAccessibility and ADA Compliance standards for digital publicationsAbility
Operate a variety of publication and graphics equipment including digital printer / copiers, digital color printer / copiers, large format printer, paper cutter, paper drill, booklet maker and other printing equipment.Maintain a detail-oriented approach with a focus on quality assurance for all projectsWork collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a large institutional environmentDemonstrate excellent, clear, and concise written and oral communication skillsPrepare and maintain digital files and archivesUnderstand and follow oral and written directionsSelf-start and self-direct to work independently in the absence of supervisionOperate in a multi-task, fast-paced work environmentHandle quick turnaround times and meet deadlinesInterpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations as neededDeliver exceptional customer service; respond tactfully and courteously to stakeholdersLearn new technologies and systems and train others as neededAdapt to changing processes and procedures, especially those involving the use of technologyRead and interpret campus-wide policies and proceduresPrepare clear and concise reportsEstablish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including college officials, community groups and the general publicTroubleshoot printer equipment problems, as necessaryEnvironmental Conditions
The employee should have the ability to effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve an office and classroom workspace and working closely with others. The employee should also be able to work around large equipment, handle various levels of noise associated with running equipment, and know how to properly handle, store and use a variety of chemicals used in printing and production processes.
The employee must sustain the work environments by maintaining equipment and supplies, ensuring overall cleanliness, functionality, and conformance to OSHA standards to provide a safe work environment.
Physical Conditions
Physical and marginal functions require the ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following : standing, walking or sitting for extended periods, moderate lifting and carrying, general manual dexterity, operating assigned equipment, and extended exposure to computer screens.
The employee must maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, reading and writing, operating assigned equipment, communicating with others, and handling varied tasks simultaneously.
Additionally, the employee must maintain mental capacity, which permits making sound decisions and using good judgment, and demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
Scheduling Conditions :
This is a full-time, 12-month position, which requires the employee to be on campus or at an approved alternate location for at least thirty-six hours per week, Monday through Thursday, 8 : 00am-5 : 00pm, and Friday, 8 : 00am-12 : 00pm. This position generally works daytime hours but has the potential for occasional evening or weekend hours.
Traveling Conditions
Local travel between the Caldwell campus, Watauga campus, or any off-campus sites may be needed. Out-of-state travel is limited but may be required for training and conferences.
Experience
Three years of full-time increasingly responsible experience in graphic design, marketing, advertising; and / or project management is required. Five years’ full-time experience preferred.
Training
An associate degree from accredited college or university with major course work in graphics or commercial design or other related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.
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