What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graphic Designer position at Montana State University?
The mission of University Communications is to enhance MSU’s public image, increase the public’s awareness of MSU’s accomplishments, and develop consistent communications that build our reputation. University Communications manages the marketing, promotional, and licensing efforts of the university and supports and promotes MSU’s activities through expert and creative communications. We provide a wide range of services to the university community through our operational units: Montana PBS, MSU News Service, MSU Creative Services, MSU Web and Digital Communications, University Marketing, MSU Public Relations, and University Printing. Our staff includes writers, editors, designers, photographers/videographers, social and news media specialists, publications specialists, marketing specialists, and web programmers.
This position is part of the Creative Services team, a unit of the Marketing team within University Communications. The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Director.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and create appealing branded visual materials to promote Montana State University to internal and external audiences. These materials may include printed publications, posters, banners, and other collateral material, as well as graphics for the web, presentations, digital signs and social media.
- Manage multiple projects from start to finish, within design specifications and budget. Collaborate with other team members, such as writers, photographers, and social media and marketing specialists, who provide content.
- Meet with clients to establish their needs and use Adobe Creative Cloud design software to complete and revise projects based on client feedback. The designer packages client-approved design files for printing and prepares digital files for publication online.
- Maintain and update the graphic library of the University’s brand elements, including campus maps, primary logos, brand extensions and unit identifiers.
- Serve as the lead designer for major MSU publications such as recruitment materials, government-related proposals, monthly publications as well as developing suites of marketing materials for major events or university initiatives – this is a representative list, but not an exhaustive one. This process includes collaboration with the creative director, editors, writers and other campus professionals during the design process, gathering input/feedback, and preparing the final files for print and for use on the University’s website. The designer will be responsible for creating other projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s Degree in graphic design.
- Three years of professional work experience as a graphic designer of both print and digital projects.
- Demonstrated experience creating graphics and designs using Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
- Demonstrated experience working as a member of a collaborative team.
- Experience creating compelling branded designs for use across all mediums such as print, web/digital and social media.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- An understanding of Montana State University and/or the higher education sector.
- Ability to work with a broad range of clients to help them achieve their goals.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Have a strong understanding of design principles, the use of color and typography.
- Be an expert in using design software, include creating finished pieces using provided written copy and selecting photographs or illustrations effectively. The candidate should have experience properly preparing a variety of design project files for print and for digital uses.
- Understand the role of branding in creating strategic marketing materials.
- Be committed to creating best in class projects that are completed on schedule.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on March 8, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Diversity Statement
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html
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