UCDA : connecting, inspiring, and supporting a creative community in education

Graphic Designer Senior

Job Information

  • Overview:

    Graphic Designer Senior, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

    The Office of Marketing & Strategic Communications at Western Michigan University seeks to fill a Graphic Designer Senior role. This position conceptualizes, designs, and implements graphics, videos, 3-D, and environmental art for flagship marketing and communication materials. Supports the strategic advancement of the University's brand to enhance visibility and strengthen its competitive position in the higher education landscape.

    Major duties:

    • Creates visual systems that tie together multiple deliverables that form a campaign.
    • Leads the design for large initiatives, multi-faceted campaigns and premier publications such as the W Magazine.
    • Develops concepts for graphic projects to align with communication channels, brand messages and marketing goals.
    • Writes and interprets creative briefs, from concept through final execution, across print, digital and multimedia formats.
    • Directs photo and video shoots in collaboration with the University photographer to create and select images that best communicate the University’s brand
    • Represents MarCom unit as an expert on design issues. Supports University areas through consultation and by providing art elements that meet visual identity standards for marketing, fundraising and alumni relations activities.
    • Provides mentorship and guidance to graphic designers or student interns through assigned design projects.
    • Manages and coordinates production of finished designs with vendors. Writes specifications to obtain bids, prepare mock-ups and verify proofs.
    • Maintains database for tracking project status, billings, documenting project specifications and other data.
    • Supports the digital team by developing creative assets as needed.
    • Takes creative direction easily and adapts designs to meet a project's strategic goals.

    • Pay grade: F

    • Pay type: Exempt/salaried 

       
  • URL: https//wwwwmujobsorg
  • Position Reports To: Director of University Creative Services
  • Location: Kalamazoo, MI
  • Starts On: Aug. 2, 2025, 3:22 p.m.
  • Salary: $60K to $70K

Job Requirements

  • Experience:

    Required experience
    • Five years of relevant professional experience.
    • Experience with graphic design for higher education, non-profit or corporate sectors.
    • Advanced expertise with creative software products.
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Ability to work independently or lead project teams and meet deadlines.
    • Excellent organizational skills and multitasking ability.
    • Proven ability to manage simultaneous projects, meet deadlines and produce high-quality creative work under pressure.

    Preferred experience
    • Eight years of relevant experience.
    • Web experience: CMS, ideally Drupal, knowledge of HTML/CSS, UX/UI experience, motion graphics, Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Experience Builder.

    Required other
    • Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
    • Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

  • Job Description:

    Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
    Ability to work independently.
    Ability to lead project teams and meet deadlines.

  • Computer Skills:

    • Adobe Creative Suite
    • Microsoft products

  • Education Required:

    Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

Company Information

  • Western Michigan University
    1903 W Michigan Ave
    Kalamazoo MI 49008
    United States Minor Outlying Islands

Contact Information

  • Kim Nelson
    Phone: (269) 365-1812

    wmich.edu
  • Contact Method:

    Visit wmujobs.org/ for complete job description, minimum requirements, and application procedures, including supplemental questions. Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package. ONLY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WMUJOBS.ORG BY 07/28/2025 WILL BE CONSIDERED. Western Michigan University, an equal opportunity employer, complies with applicable federal and state laws and University policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment.