Designer, University Communications

University Communications is the strategic communications department for the University of Virginia. We are writers, editors, spokespeople, marketers, designers, photographers, video producers, social media and operations experts, web developers and more. We unite our skills for effective, engaging communications and marketing to showcase UVA as a model of excellence in higher education.

We inform. We inspire. And we serve as stewards of the University’s iconic brand, showing how UVA improves lives within our own community, across the commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

Position Summary

University Communications seeks a designer to join the Brand Studio, supporting the UVA brand through thoughtful, accurate and engaging visual work. Reporting to the associate creative director, the designer translates strategy and content into clear, effective, accessible and on-brand designs across digital and print channels. The role contributes to larger initiatives and collaborates with writers, editors, developers, photographers, video producers, marketing professionals, licensing partners, social media managers and other designers.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and produce visual content for marketing, digital, licensing, environmental, print applications, editorial and social media as needed.
• Develop layouts, typography, graphics, photo treatments, illustrations, infographics, presentation materials, website assets and production-ready files for marketing campaigns and other priorities.
• Select, size, crop, and retouch photography and other visual assets; create collages, photo illustrations and supporting artwork when appropriate.
• Support digital storytelling by designing responsive page elements and helping determine effective placement of images, pull quotes, calls to action, and other content components.
• Apply University brand standards consistently while contributing fresh ideas and identifying opportunities to improve visual communication.
• Own assignments from concept through final file delivery, including file preparation, creative and internal review, version control, coordination with internal production partners and proper cataloguing and archiving of files.
• Participate in creative briefings, critiques, project meetings and team planning; clearly explain design choices and incorporate feedback constructively.
• Distill feedback from multiple stakeholders, exercising sound creative judgment to reconcile differing perspectives and develop and present thoughtful design options that advance project goals.
• Manage multiple assignments, maintain accurate project status information and deliver high-quality work on schedule.
• Stay current with design, digital storytelling, accessibility and production practices and apply relevant approaches to the work.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of graphic design principles, including typography, layout, composition, color theory, hierarchy and the effective use of photography, illustration and digital graphics.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop; working knowledge of PowerPoint and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to design both digital and print environments and prepare accurate, production-ready files.
• Strong attention to detail, visual judgment, organization and accuracy.
• Ability to receive direction, present work, explain design rationale, solve problems and collaborate effectively with colleagues from multiple disciplines.
• Ability to manage several assignments at once in a deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with digital accessibility requirements and accessible design principles.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with Figma, responsive web design, HTML/CSS or website prototyping and wireframing.
• Experience with illustration, data visualization or motion design
• Experience in higher education, marketing agencies or another strongly branded organization.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, consistent with University policy.
• A portfolio demonstrating capability in graphic design for digital and print applications.
• 1 to 3 years of related professional experience strongly preferred.

Required Applicant Materials

Applicant materials include cover letter, resume and access to portfolio of materials showing examples of work, either via attachment or digital portfolio link.   

Anticipated Hiring Range: $57,000 to $67,000, commensurate with experience.

About Our Creative Studios 

The two creative studios within the Office of University Communications – the Brand Studio and the Content Studio – consist of designers, photographers, writers, video producers and social media experts. Their work covers a variety of disciplines, including digital and print design, branding, environmental and out-of-home designs, paid and owned advertising, editorial, merchandise, social media, photography, and video production. The creative studios’ core mission is to elevate, refine and advance the University of Virginia brand. In addition to working on design and multimedia content that supports institutional branding, editorial and advertising for the University as a whole, the creative studios collaborate on a wide range of projects with a variety of University partners, including the president’s office, Athletics and others. Samples of our work can be found on University Communications’ website.

This position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future.

Please apply online, and search for R0086980.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field; multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration. 

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. 

For finalists, references will be completed via UVA’s standardized process using SkillSurvey. A total of up to five references will be requested via SkillSurvey for top candidates during the final phase of the interview process.  A total of three references is required.   

For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virginia.edu.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate specialty, or an equivalent combination of accreditation, education and experience required.

Experience: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.