Job description

Creative Design Specialist

This position reports to the Creative Director who leads the visual identity for all of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and works closely with other Creative Design Specialists within the Development and Alumni Relations Communications department (DARCOMM).

This position provides graphic design for clients and units within DAR. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, consulting with clients and developing and implementing designs through multiple communication mediums (e.g., web, social media platforms, digital advertising, signage, photography, promotional marks and items, illustration, animation, products, event, and environmental design, print products such as mailers, invitations, and magazines). Responsibilities may also include assisting in the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies within the division and serving as a lead to design staff on larger design projects.

This position ensures all design work complies with the visual identity and branding of the University of Georgia and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. This includes working with other Creative Design Specialists and the Creative Director to set rules for the use of branding elements, ensuring a cohesive brand presence across everything produced in the division. In addition, this position helps brainstorm new communication strategies and tactics to make the work of DAR more effective.

This position is critical in helping DAR create and implement a consistent, branded communication plan, helping to ensure that alumni and donors recognize UGA communication instantly, making our communication more effective.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, with a minimum of two years’ experience in graphic design—preferably within a relevant industry or agency environment
A strong and diverse portfolio showcasing proficiency in branding, print design, digital design, typography, text hierarchy, and other relevant design work. Experience working within brand guidelines
Demonstrated experience working in the core Adobe Creative Suite design software
Experience in working with print vendors
Experience with building motion graphics in After Affects a plus
Experience with video editing in Premiere Pro a plus
Knowledge of CSS, JavaScript, or other web programming a plus
Some photography experience is a plus

Duties/Responsibilities

(65%) Provide graphic design for Division of Alumni and Development Units
Develop and deliver high-quality design solutions for units within the division, working collaboratively with the creative director, communications coordinators, digital strategists, and content writers.
Plan and execute design strategy for publications, websites, and social media.
Manage visual identity of projects and the use of trademarked university assets in alignment with both individual campaign and university brand guidelines.
Lead and actively contribute to the creative development of assigned projects, including kickoff meetings with relevant units, collaborative brainstorming sessions, developing creative briefs, and delivering formal presentations.
Exercise independence in design execution and demonstrate a sense of ownership in assigned projects.
Follow DARCOMM’s workflow processes and leverage the project management system to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
Maintain awareness of project timelines and collaborate proactively with the assigned Communications Coordinator on project plans.
Understand and adhere to deadlines. If a deadline will be missed, communicate in advance to appropriate parties.
Keep interested parties informed about projects on a regular basis.
Provide clear communication to partners within units regarding creative vision and strategy.
Present high profile design projects to DARCOMM as well as clients, articulating rationale for design.
Lead production for print projects, including vendor selection, spec sheet, estimations, proofing, and press checks when necessary.
Stay up to date on print standards, practices, techniques, and industry trends. Meet with print vendors, assess printer capabilities, and visit print facilities as needed to support that goal.
Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and packaging manufacturers to ensure quality and consistency in the final output. Ensure designs and deliverables meet a high standard of quality through testing, proofing, and press checks.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and support unit goals. 

(25%) Collaborate with DARCOMM colleagues
Meet regularly with team to discuss updates, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
Meet with creative team on a regular basis to work on division and university-wide projects including campaign initiatives.
Build relationships with DARCOMM and DAR colleagues to collaborate on projects and jointly recommend creative solutions for our division.
For division-wide and special projects, contribute to creative process including concept meetings, team brainstorming, and presentations. Contribute to and in certain projects lead content ideation and development.
Engage in scheduled DARCOMM staff meetings.

(10%) Manage student assistant
Hire, manage, and coach a design student assistant.
Assign projects appropriate to their skill set.
Manage tasks in project management system.
Quality control all projects before they are submitted to project managers for delivery.
Provide constructive feedback for growth and development.
Facilitate collaboration between other designers and DARCOMM team. 
About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the Division of Development and Alumni Relations
The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.

About the Development and Alumni Relations' Office of Communications
We serve as an in-house marketing agency for the Development & Alumni Relations division (DAR) at the University of Georgia. Twice a year, we plan. The rest of the time, we design mailers, build websites, write, film, photograph, tweet, and a lot more. Collaboration is how we do our best work. White-boarding and idea-bouncing get us going. Data and analytics teach us how to do better next time. We love to learn from one another. We often partner with the Marketing & Communications division and build templates and tools to help all schools, colleges, and units with development and alumni relations. We streamline. And dot-connect. And always do our best to consider our audiences’ perspectives. We are always searching for new ways – more creative ways – to reach our alumni and donors. To help our division achieve its mission and help every DAR unit achieve its goals.

EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]).

USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.