Job Description
Special Instructions to Applicants:
All interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application in PDF format.
A portfolio submission is required for consideration. Please include a link in your resume and/or cover letter, or email your portfolio to jobs@rice.edu, referencing this job posting in your email.
Position Summary:
The Graphic Designer role is an integral part of the Marketing and Communications team within the Enrollment Division at Rice University, a highly-selective research institution located in the heart of Houston, Texas. The Graphic Designer will report to the Executive Director of Enrollment Marketing and Communications. The team goals are to consistently communicate the brand and identity of Rice University and its seven undergraduate schools to prospective students, parents and school educators and to accurately and persuasively represent and market the university and its undergraduate academic programs. The team works to ensure that the enrollment division uses the most contemporary and effective approaches to reach prospective students and coordinates innovative communications initiatives through a variety of media including print, web, email, social and video.
The Graphic Designer will provide design leadership and direction for all marketing initiatives in the Rice Enrollment Division. This position conceptualizes and develops breakthrough design concepts that can be leveraged across a number of channels - including digital, print and direct mail, social media, and video - to enhance the Rice brand among our key audiences of students, parents and high school educator. This role will be instrumental in developing the visual design strategy for the Rice Enrollment division in alignment with the universities' brand standards and guidelines and ensuring all visual marketing elements fall within the new visual identity.
Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate will possess a keen eye for design, a passion for visual storytelling, and the ability to produce high-quality digital and print materials that reflect the university's brand and values. They will effectively collaborate with the marketing team, other departments and vendors to understand project requirements and deliver high-quality designs within deadlines. Additionally, they will stay updated on design trends and technologies, proposing innovative ideas to enhance the university's visual presence.
Workplace Requirements
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. This role will be in-office two to three days per week and additionally as needed. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change."
Proposed Hiring Range: Exempt position. Salarycontingent upon qualifications and experience.
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 2 years of experience in graphic design
• Portfolio submission required for consideration. Please include a link in your resume and/or cover letter, or email your portfolio to jobs@rice.edu, referencing this job posting in your email.

Skills:

• Demonstrated understanding of graphic design principles, and Expertise in Adobe creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign for PC
• Ability to design and produce quick-turnaround print materials
• Basic proficiency in writing, editing, and proofing, with knowledge of grammar and punctuation
• Ability to understand materials of moderate complexity and synthesize across multiple sources to produce materials for diverse audiences
• Firm understanding of web technologies and applications, including social networking, social media tools, and current communication trends
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple deadlines - Excellent time management skills

Preferences:

• Experience managing vendors, including soliciting quotes, defining deliverables, and communicating expectations and deadlines.
• Solid understanding of current design trends, marketing, and branding
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Professional experience working independently and effectively with others, managing deadlines, budgets, clients, and vendors
• Experience with creative concepting
• Web design and HTML experience is a plus

Essential Functions:

• Designs and produces in-house communications materials
• Compiles and/or prepares complex illustrations, photos, and pictures for graphic design assignments
• Maintains the visual quality, consistency and tone of all print and web material, ensuring that content is fresh and follows best practices
• Serves as a catalyst for creative thought, project timeliness, and completion
• Provides art direction and is capable of creating mockup ready pieces to communicate projects
• Coordinates workflow between design development, vendors, and print shops to evaluate quality and process
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
About Us
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.