What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graphic Designer position at Western Colorado University?
Position Summary:
Job Description:
Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Graphic Designer. The position reports to the Brand Director & Creative Manager, works closely with the Marketing team, and regularly collaborates with Admissions, Advancement, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and other campus units to support the consistency of the brand and communications to the public.
Responsibilities:
- Using Adobe Creative Suite, create print and digital assets—including advertisements, signage, and promotional materials—ensuring visual appeal and brand consistency.
- Oversees the full design process by collaborating with stakeholders, developing mockups, gathering feedback, and refining work through multiple revisions.
- Finalizes and formats design files for both print and digital use, ensuring accuracy in resolution, color, and specifications.
- Creates and adapts designs to support campaign objectives, developing new assets and modifying existing ones while ensuring alignment with established brand standards.
- Uses project management tools to organize tasks, set timelines, manage version control, and meet deadlines across concurrent projects.
- Communicate with external partners to ensure accurate production and timely delivery of print materials.
- Collaborates with content creators to refine messaging, proofread copy, and enhance clarity and readability within designs.
- Upholds brand guidelines and accessibility standards in all design work, adjusting typography, contrast, and layout as needed.
- Regularly audit and update existing materials to keep branding current and consistent across all platforms.
- Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned by the Creative Manager, Director of Marketing, and Vice President of Marketing & Enrollment.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree. A skilled graphic designer with 3–5 years of experience, proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), and knowledgeable in both print and digital design best practices. Adept at working within brand systems to maintain consistency across all materials, with a strong eye for detail and excellent communication skills. Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects from concept to completion, including writing, editing, design, and client collaboration. A creative problem solver and self-starter who thrives in fast-paced environments and values constructive feedback and teamwork.
Preferred Qualifications: Degree in graphic design. Experienced in agency settings or in higher education, corporate branding, or marketing/communications teams. Brings foundational knowledge of web design, UI/UX principles, and accessibility standards (WCAG), along with proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Teams, and Wrike. Skilled in digital design for email marketing and online platforms, with added capabilities in photography, illustration, or motion graphics. Comfortable refining messaging through light copywriting and editing, and confident in presenting design concepts to stakeholders. Experienced in working with printers and vendors to ensure quality production. Holds a degree or formal training in graphic design.
Compensation: $50,000-$54,000 annual base salary, dependent on experience; FLSA exempt. The position is eligible for an excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance plans with low co-pays and low out-of-pocket maximums, generous paid time off, a shared contribution retirement plan, and tuition benefits.
How to Apply: Apply online at
www.Western.edu/jobs
. Required attachments for online application include a letter of application addressed to Shayna Pietranton, Brand Director & Creative Manager, resume, transcripts, available work samples, and contact information for three references.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Contact the search committee chair with position-specific questions:
spitranton@western.edu
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 at 11:59PM (MDT)
Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte
Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community. With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community.
The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world-class ski community. K-12 students are served by the award-winning
Gunnison Watershed School District
. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap-around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping… all within minutes of the campus.
Visit
http://www.western.edu
to learn more about the university.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:
Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS
About Us
At Western Colorado University our faculty members and staff share a strong commitment to an inclusive and personalized education and take pride in following a set of values that form our vision as a university. Our shared values of courage, growth, inclusivity, integrity and stewardship provide the foundation for our culture and our work. Our faculty and staff are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. With the Rocky Mountains as our laboratory, Western is a premier public provider of rigorous, immersive education for our undergraduate and graduate students. The curriculum provides professional flexibility where experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches are valued. Employees have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers.
Salary : $50,000 - $54,000
