Sr. Graphic Designer

The Highlights :

DePaul University Branding and Marketing (UBM) is rebuilding our Creative Services team. Creative Services is a high-volume department, responsible for overseeing the intake and creative design and production processes of a wide range of printed, digital and environmental communications projects for the university.

This role reports to the Director, Creative Services. The university is undergoing a rebrand, the senior designer needs to bring a contemporary design style to continue to elevate DePaul as a premium institution.

The Senior Graphic Designer will execute towards the strategic marketing objectives and positioning initiatives of the university and all other internal communications by ensuring compliance with and use of the university's brand, logo and graphic identity standards.

The Senior Graphic Designer must be creative, collaborative and highly organized, adept at building solid working relationships across departments, functions and personalities.

They must be proactive, guiding clients, resolving design questions and contributing to the evolution of DePaul's brand and graphic identity.

This person is detail-oriented and works well within a deadline driven environment, handling simultaneous projects efficiently.

What You'll Do :

Consults and collaborates with the other members of the UBM team and key university decision makers, such as the Office of the President, the Deans of the Colleges and the staff of the various divisions and departments to create effective marketing materials for various printed and digital applications.

They will support the marketing and branding needs for a myriad of university functions and events.

As a creative leader and strategic thinker, manages multiple design projects in an organized manner, maintains smooth workflow and manages tight, often changing, deadlines and priorities.

Guides clients who need assistance successfully through the process of kicking off a project. Manages accounts and asks probing questions about project type, audience and distribution needs to create effective materials.

Conceptualizes, designs and executes graphic material including (but not limited to) : templates, presentations, event materials, brochures, logos, illustrations, publications, signage, promotional items, affinity wear and other print needs.

Develops design for digital materials including (but not limited to) : elements of websites, email templates, evites, social media posts, banners, buttons, headers and other electronic communication vehicles both within DePaul and out of home.

• Evaluates and directs the work of other graphic designers, freelancers, photographers, printers and external vendors.
• Some traffic duties required, including managing requests within project management software, see below for technical skills.
• No permanent direct reports at this time. Role is main point of contact in overseeing external vendors.

What You'll Need :

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or similar degree required, Master's degree desirable. Portfolio required.
• Minimum 5+ years of graphic design experience working within brand guidelines, preferably in an in-house agency-style creative department or a MarCom department in a retail, professional services or athletics environment where Masterbrand and sub-brand extensions are executed through campaigns or product SKUs
• An understanding of higher education programs and academic processes helpful.
• Advanced design and concept development skills needed; a blend of hybrid skills is required for print and digital media.
• Leadership skills needed to help guide others within the university through the creative process.
• High level of organizational ability with excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills, highly resourceful and able to work under pressure with multiple deadlines with the flexibility to adapt to constant change.
• Must demonstrate the ability to follow style guides, work with various types of vendors, obtain printing quotes, review proofs and proof-reading documents created from supplied materials.
• Strong sense of fiscal responsibility.
• High-level knowledge of Mac OS and design software, primarily Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat with the ability to resize materials for various media and formats.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, primarily Microsoft Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel and OneDrive
• Experience working with Canto, Marq, Smartsheets, Canva, Google Docs and Figma is a plus
• Currently this role is hybrid home / office with work space located at DePaul's Loop Campus. Employee must be able to easily get to DePaul's Lincoln Park and Loop campuses as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Perks :

• Working for a stable and well-known University that values diversity and inclusion.
• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan matching contribution of 10%.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!
• Full-Time Benefits

For consideration, please include a resume and cover letter.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement :

Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community.

We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities.

Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported.

Required Background Check :

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.

Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse & Neglect :

Upon accepting an offer of employment with the university, you will also be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status at the time of hire.

A mandated reporter is required to make a report to the Illinois DCFS Hotline whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be abused or neglected.

For more information, please visit the following pages :

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)

Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.