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Job Description
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Location: Oakland
Job ID: 26882
Job Posting
For UCOP internal applicants, please login to the internal candidate gateway at: https://jobs.ucop.edu/
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Marketing Communications builds public awareness of UC’s value and its impact on the lives of people in California and beyond. Working with campus colleagues, University of California Office of the President leaders and our clients, we convey the breadth and depth of UC’s leadership in teaching, research and public service, and foster pride and engagement in the UC community. As stewards of the systemwide brand and visual identity we ensure the institution’s values and aspirations are brought to life in each and every communication.
POSITION SUMMARY
The creative team within Marketing Communications has been nationally recognized for its successful projects. This position serves as Lead Visual Designer, reports to the Creative Director, and works within a small integrated in-house team of graphic designers, UX designers and developers, and video producers to create pieces that work within the established systemwide brand. These projects inform and influence public perceptions of the university and its programs, with the intent of building support and engagement.
The incumbent will be required to manage multiple projects of considerable complexity on tight timelines, creating sophisticated, polished concepts and products from clients’ unformed ideas. Additionally, providing strategic counsel, feedback, and advice to a team of designers and clients will be required.
The organization is currently reviewing options for hybrid and flexible work arrangements.
Responsibilities
45%
Design of Visual Communications: Conceives and effectively communicates to clients and to unit leadership visual ideas that build on the UC system brand. Design projects span the range of visual communications needs and include recurring annual projects as well as entirely new undertakings. Reviews project goal, messages, audience, budget, timeline and other details with clients, writers, and editors. Assesses complex material or messages and devises the best ways to present them visually to enhance clarify and impact. This includes design that supports editorial content and purpose consistent with the visual style of the vehicle; making recommendations on ways to develop and enhance our brand in order to keep products fresh and up-to-date; and assuring that products incorporate UC’s visual identity. Proposes project schedule and obtains buy-in from clients and vendors. Proposes and plans appropriate visual design solutions, working closely with clients to meet their expectations and to determine most appropriate medium. Reviews project to determine if it meets established communication strategies and objectives. Prepares preliminary designs and client presentations that visually convey final product. Independently or with the Creative Director, makes client presentations. Prepares design concepts and creates layouts and artwork for various media and platforms (print, digital, web, social media, video etc.) under tight deadlines. Conceptualizes and produces visual designs for forward-thinking collateral/marketing materials. Support the visual design team by providing strategic guidance, feedback, and evaluation. Supports the UX team to develop and refine visual designs for digital projects, using awareness of best practices and capabilities of the medium. Designs and employs libraries, templates, and other design components to assure consistency of style. Directs photo shoots and resources additional imagery and illustrations as needed. Stays abreast of current design trends; producing, evangelizing, and advocating for ambitious and dynamic design solutions.
45%
Production of Visual Communications: Carries out design projects from conception through production. Updates, refines, and enhances files for existing recurring projects. Final projects must meet precise design, production and pre-press standards, as well as budget requirements, deadlines and the satisfaction of clients. Develops and maintains professional working relationships with competent and reliable vendors who may include (but are not limited to): graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, UX designers, production artists and printers to assure quality work within budget and deadline. Helps identify and select printers and vendors, and liaises with them regarding materials, costs and scheduling in partnership with Production Team. Executes final design projects by creating hi-res digital files using the Adobe Creative Suite and other software. Works closely with Production team to ensure delivery of projects on budget and on time. Processes hi-res images as needed for production. Produces pre-press digital files with detailed specifications and instructions for the printer or vendor. Identifies and recommends ways to streamline production and minimize costs. Reviews printers’ proofs, performs press checks, and manages final adjustments with vendor and Production Team. Produces presentations using Adobe Creative Cloud or similar tools, as needed. Assists editorial staff in making edits to body copy, headlines, captions and other text elements.
10%
Project Management & Administration: Provides detailed information for project and asset tracking as requested, detailing status, expenses, time frames, follow-up contacts and other information. Stays abreast of new computer hardware and software products for design and production; recommends appropriate support materials as needed to maintain a high level of service to clients. Works with Design Team and Creative Director to review design projects.
Required Qualifications
• Advanced knowledge of design and communications concepts and applicable software applications; recent experience and direct responsibilities supporting major design projects and efforts.
• Advanced knowledge of production processes for a variety of media and knowledge of vendor requirements for a variety of products.
• Deep knowledge of graphic-design principles and formats; ability to identify, set and articulate design standards.
• Clear and substantiated understanding of branding principles, particularly as they relate to graphic identity and design standards; ability to interpret brand guidelines.
• Advanced skills to devise broad design ideas, present them to clients, and produce results on time and within budget.
• Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening skills and skills to work effectively within teams and to effectively provide advanced design advice and consultation to clients on all aspects of visual communications.
• Ability to produce visual designs for digital, web properties and comfortable producing assets for web templates.
• Ability to process images for various platforms and distribution channels.
• Working knowledge of the Mac platform and related production and imaging hardware and software, including extensive experience with Adobe Creative Suite and other industry-standard graphic design technologies and software used to complete complex graphic design assignments; solid working level capabilities with MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and direct multiple projects to completion in a quick-paced environment; requires impeccable organization skills, as well as skills that demonstrate ability to provide project leadership and to collaborate with creative personnel.
• Skill in working independently and following through on assignments; e.g. managing and directing photo shoots, obtaining rights clearances, press checks, etc. with minimal or no direction.Ability to problem-solve, make changes and corrections as they occur, and to offer appropriate solutions in situations not covered by brand guidelines.Solid proofreading and editing skills to spot typos, suggest appropriate ways to shorten headlines or add subheads, captions and pull quotes.
Education
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant training in graphic design plus five to seven years of experience, including at least one year in a project or design lead capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Location: Hybrid options available
Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/benefits-of-belonging.html
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The first review date for this job is December 3, 2021. The position will be open until filled.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/manager-resources/hiring-process/background-checks.html
Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. https://www.ucop.edu/safety-and-loss-prevention/environmental/program-resources/uc-smoke-free/uc-smoke-tobacco-free.html
The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/DiscHarassAffirmAction
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/2683561
