The College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) at the University of Maryland (UMD) seeks a Senior Graphic Designer to join the college’s Marketing and Communications (MarCom) team. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Creative Strategy and in collaboration with MarCom colleagues, this position supports a wide range of campaigns and projects for the college’s schools, departments and centers including arts and academic events, festivals and high-profile initiatives. The team is committed to high-quality, equitable design, smart strategies and collaborative processes.

The Senior Graphic Designer brings strategy to life via captivating campaign art and visual identity for a range of programs and initiatives with primary target audiences of UMD students (current and prospective), faculty and staff and the surrounding community. The projects are part of greater marketing, branding and storytelling efforts that support event attendance and audience engagement, student recruitment, fundraising and showcase academic research.

The Senior Graphic Designer is inventive and passionate about visual storytelling and research, digital-first design and industry trends. The designer is responsible for conceptual exploration and methodical development of print, digital/web, signage and merchandise design. Outstanding candidates will exhibit passion for arts and humanities along with talents around contemporary design styles and techniques. They will also have excellent communication and collaboration skills and the ability to give technical and project planning advice.

The Senior Graphic Designer is versatile in artistic and technical ability, analytical and organizational skills and has solid knowledge of best practices for print and digital applications. Candidates must be able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and balance big picture thinking while knocking out quick creative deliverables. The designer will support making data-informed decisions and identify areas of advancement for digital design, motion and interactivity.

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree preferably in graphic design, with a concentration or coursework in visual arts, illustration, photography and/or marketing & communications.

EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in graphic design including art direction, print and digital design and production and photo editing (i.e. color correction, masking, retouching). Illustration and photography skills a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Compelling portfolio of print and digital design work that demonstrates experience leading large scale projects, a range of aesthetics and client-focused solutions to marketing challenges. Applications without a portfolio will not be accepted.
• A passion for design thinking, brand building and storytelling and a strong understanding ofhow to maintain and evolve design systems.
• Self-motivated, strong work ethic with excellent communication (verbal, written, visual),problem-solving skills and ability to propose ideas.
• Meticulous eye for detail and an active, empathetic listener able to interpret goals, and incorporate critical feedback from multiple client-partners.
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, Lightroom, Bridge).
• Strong time management and organizational skills with experience using online project management software.
• Strong conceptual and research skills and an aptitude for developing a variety of styles.
• Strong typography, layout and template-building skills.
• Adept in digital design with focus on usability, accessibility and web standards.
• Familiarity with offset and digital printing processes (pre-press, press checks, finishing) aswell as printing bids, estimates and format recommendations.
• Contributes to a positive team spirit and ability to work collaboratively in-person and virtually.
• Motivated by challenges and interested in professional growth.

Preferences:

• Experience in arts, higher education or cultural institution settings
• Background or interest in arts, culture and humanities
• In-house, agency or marketing team experience
• Experience art directing photo shoots
• Experience with digital media and marketing

To Apply

Apply online: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/95239

All applicants should submit the following documents:
1. Cover Letter
2. CV or Resume
3. Design Portfolio
4. List of 3 professional references

1. Cover Letter
2. CV or Resume
3. Design Portfolio
4. List of 3 professional references