Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer, Strategic Communications

At the University of Cincinnati Foundation, we commit ourselves to providing a place where everyone belongs. We care deeply about those in our community, while also taking care to nurture new relationships. We have the courage to dream big, drive excellence and uphold integrity in our work.

The Graphic Designer, Strategic Communications, is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Executive Director, Strategic Communications.

The Graphic Designer produces high-quality print and digital work for fundraising and stewardship efforts on behalf of UC and UC Health. Clear, confident communication with the ability to think quickly, respond candidly, take initiative and meet deadlines.

Specific duties include:

• Serve as UC Foundation brand ambassador and advocate, ensuring a cohesive look/feel/tone and a unified brand across the foundation, UC and UC Health, adhering to branding guidelines and industry best practices and trends.
• Conceptualize original ideas and execute them through all stages of the design process for a variety of print and web visual communication pieces, including but not limited to printed fundraising solicitation materials, custom proposals, custom gifts, direct mail, event collateral, and multi-channel responsive web and email design.
• Contribute to campaign planning, brainstorming, and initiatives specific to all the colleges and units we work with, bringing UC Foundation's mission to life through compelling, consistent design.
• Collaborate with team to ensure strong organization of both digital and print archive and other digital assets including photos and videos.
• Manage estimating and print production processes with vendors.
• Assist on video and photo shoots as needed.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in design or a related field and 1-3 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience; agency experience preferred.
• Portfolio of design work.
• Exceptional skill using Adobe Creative Cloud (primarily InDesign for print layouts/Photoshop/Illustrator) and Microsoft Office 365 (primarily Word and PowerPoint) in a Mac environment. Experience with Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere and Really Good Emails considered a plus.
• Outstanding client relationship skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong negotiation, problem-solving and time management skills.
• Thorough understanding of printing processes, offset and digital printing technologies and best practices.
• Possess a strong command of print and digital design, USPS and direct mail standards and industry standards of email and web optimization techniques.
• Ability to partner and grow relationships with vendors/freelancers, including photographers and videographers.
• Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workflow.
• Basic copywriting/writing/content skills a plus.

What we offer:

The anticipated starting salary range for the Graphic Designer role is $60,000 to $70,000 annually. When determining final offer amount the UC Foundation considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, external market data, as well as, market and business considerations when making compensation decisions.

At the UC Foundation, we understand the importance of providing both a desirable work environment as well as benefits that provide our employee's peace of mind and work/life balance. We offer a total rewards package inclusive of performance based bonus, as well as, competitive health and wellness benefits, tuition remission, retirement with employer match, paid parental leave, and paid vacation, sick time and holidays, including calendar year-end closing. To learn more, visit our careers page.

Physical demands include:

• Standing
• Walking
• Finger use
• Talking
• Hearing
• Repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

Work environment is typical office or administrative work.

Pre-hire requirements include passing a criminal background check and drug test. Positions requiring a degree are also contingent upon education verification.