UGA Creative Design Specialist

Position Summary: 

This position reports to the Associate Creative Director who leads the creative direction for all of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), and they work 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 on design ideas and developing and implementing designs ideas through multiple communication mediums (e.g., web, social media platforms, illustration, animation, digital advertising, signage, photography, promotional marks and items, products, event and environmental design, print products such as mailers, invitations, and magazines). Responsibilities may also include assisting the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies within the division and serving as a lead to design staff on large and/or multiple 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 Associate Creative Director to set rules for the usage 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.

About the University of Georgia: 

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department: 

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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field.  Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field, or equivalent work experience
• 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, preferably in a relevant industry or agency setting
• A strong and diverse portfolio showcasing proficiency in branding, print design, digital design, typography, and other relevant design work. Experience working within brand guidelines
• Demonstrated 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 as plus

EEO Policy Statement: 

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).