Senior Designer
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

ARD Marketing & Communications

About the Department

Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.

The ARD Communications team works with ARD partners to shape and brand communications to engage, steward, and inform alumni, donors, and friends of the University of Chicago. The design team, which supports this group, utilizes communications and design best practices to shape impressions for signature events and other programming that supports ARD philanthropic goals and strengthens the University's identity in the world.

Job Summary

This position develops and implements programs in a wide range of design projects. Develops design standards and concepts for University advertising and communications materials. Completes assignments and facilitates the work activities of others.

Responsibilities

• Manages and guides the work of in-house and external designers, photographers, illustrators, and other creative talent, assisting colleagues in their effort to incorporate superb visual design in all aspects of their work.
• Evaluates performance, determines professional development goals, and manages daily workflow for the design team. Stays abreast of current design and visual identity innovations and trends and advise accordingly.
• Researches, develops and leads conceptual and stylistic direction for ARD engagement campaigns, supporting the University brand and strategic goals through the use of graphic design best practices and creative innovation to engage with our audiences.
• Displays professional skill in the use of the Adobe Suite of design software including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat (XD and Premiere Pro familiarity helpful), in order to conceive, design and produce printed and digitally based tools such as brochures, periodicals, event identity and invitations, websites, social media posts, direct response marketing, and signage. Ability to create small scale animations and animated gifs highly valued.
• Researches, develops and leads conceptual and stylistic direction for ARD engagement campaigns advancing University priorities.
• In addition to being able to work independently, designer must be willing to collaborate with manager, designers, editors, writers, and interactive developers to meet the department's goals by prioritizing workloads and producing professionally designed materials that are in strategic alignment.
• Contributes to creative critiques and brainstorms, while demonstrating a high regard for teamwork and the collective achievement of departmental goals; evaluate overall success of team efforts.
• Exhibits leadership qualities, including both delegate and to execute plans; leading by word and by example; resolving conflicts and building consensus; and contributing to a positive work environment, which includes a commitment to client satisfaction.
• Cultivates and manages relationships with clients from ARD and other University departments and divisions. Acts as resource for colleagues with less experience.
• Identifies, negotiates with, and manages outside vendors such as printers, photographers, illustrators, etc.
• Maintains archives of all projects, graphic files, photography and printed samples.
• Applies interpersonal and communications skills which include the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively in a professional context.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance and team creativity. These include attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Designs, conceptualizes and creates graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs, and illustrations, for various publications, advertising materials and/or customers by hand or using a computer. Prepares final layouts for print.
• Guides, plans and assigns other graphic artists to projects and tasks, training and overseeing the daily activities of graphic artists, but is not a supervisor.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Minimum two years of experience in graphic design, production design or similar professional work experience.
• Minimum two years of experience leading a project team or managing staff.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's donor relationship management system, Microsoft Windows computer environment and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Competencies

• Act with integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and tact.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
• Self-motivated and take initiative.

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in-office presence.
• Standard office environment.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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