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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 

   

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.

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