Graphic Designer

TITLE: Graphic Designer

DEPARTMENT: Marketing Department

REPORTS TO: Director of Marketing

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBA

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Graphic Designer in the Office of Marketing at Kentucky State University develops and executes visual materials, including print, digital, and exhibit designs, to support university publications and marketing campaigns. This role involves managing projects from concept to completion, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with institutional objectives. The designer communicates ideas effectively through various media, meets tight deadlines, and may work outside regular hours as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conceptualizes, designs, and produces a wide range of high-quality curriculum, training, and promotional materials, including flyers, ads, brochures, logos, office signage, exhibits, and displays, with a focus on aligning with institutional branding and communication goals.
• Develops and executes complex print-ready artwork, including technical and scientific illustrations, graphs, charts, and digitized graphics for publications, presentations, and other media.
• Creates and oversees electronically designed page layouts and web-based graphics, ensuring alignment with project objectives and user needs.
• Collaborates with faculty and staff to assess project goals, budget considerations, and deadlines, offering strategic guidance on design solutions.
• Oversees the printing production process, including writing specifications, selecting materials, inspecting proofs for accuracy, and recommending external contractors as necessary.
• Provides copywriting and editing support for design projects, which may include press releases and other communication materials.
• Manages digital assets and may maintain a graphics or photographic library to streamline project workflows and enhance resource accessibility.
• Offers technical computer support, including software installation and troubleshooting, to optimize design-related operations.
• Coordinates and leads team efforts, delegating tasks and ensuring project milestones are met effectively.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Graphic Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of graphic design principles, practices, and layout techniques.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in design software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, and a wide range of media, tools, and equipment.
• Effective Communication: Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for engaging with diverse constituencies and conveying complex ideas.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze technical and graphic information, interpret user requirements, and create meaningful, interpretive illustrations.
• Strategic Planning: Proficiency in budget development and management for digital and traditional media communications.
• Media Production Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of printing processes, reproduction techniques, and the ability to develop detailed production specifications.
• Problem-Solving: Capability to evaluate and solve graphic design challenges, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Project Management: Ability to lead projects from concept to completion, balancing quality standards with timelines and budgets.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

OTHER DUTIES: 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, or related field.
• Three years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some evening and weekend hours may be required to meet project deadlines or support university events.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. 
• Limited physical effort is required. 
• Limited exposure to physical risk.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.