Graphic & Multimedia Designer

About the Job Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program. Printing Services at the University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive range of quality services that address the University's full scope of communications needs. We provide vital printed and electronic communications that build strong connections with the University's students, staff, alumni, and prospective students. Printing Services is a unit within Auxiliary Services, a division of University Services at the University of Minnesota. The Graphic and Multimedia Designer works closely with communications professionals, faculty, and administrative staff in colleges and departments throughout the University to plan, design, and coordinate production of both print and audio/visual media communications. The designer develops close working relationships with clients, providing high-quality and professional design, along with valuable consulting and customer service. Responsibilities Visual Media Design (40%) Develop creative solutions, including graphic development and layout/design, while actively supporting the institutional brand in order to leverage the strength of the institution's identity and advance the mission of the University. Design brochures, posters, magazines, annual reports, newsletters, identity systems, and fully coordinated print/web campaigns for new and existing University clients. Collaborate closely with other creative team members, providing design, multimedia, and production support to ensure projects are completed on schedule and at a high level of quality. Make corrections/adjustments/updates to previously produced print pieces. Work closely with other members of creative team, including designers and customer service representatives, and coordinate project execution with members of a diverse production staff. Prepare print projects for production, including meeting with production staff to determine the most efficient and cost-effective methods of production. Provide web user interface design and work closely with HTML and content management developers to implement design solutions. Assist with the creative design, building, and launch of client websites, developing creative solutions within the framework of University brand guidelines and applying all best‑practice approaches. Design and remediate accessible communications, including print publications, PDFs, web graphics, presentations, and other digital content in accordance with University accessibility standards and applicable regulations. Video Production (40%) Participate in all aspects of video production from concept to completion. Guide departments through the planning and preparing of video projects, providing direction based on their unique needs. Record interviews and other video footage at locations across campus, often requiring full lights, video, sound, etc. Record voiceovers with diverse talent, providing feedback and guidance during recording. Edit audio and video, including sound syncing/mixing and color correction. Maintain production studio, video equipment, and digital assets. Create animated graphics for intros, lower‑thirds, infographics, and more using Adobe After Effects and other tools. Create and support accessible video content through the implementation of captions, transcripts, audio description, and other accessibility best practices. Client Relationships / Consultation (10%) Meet with University clients to discuss, conceptualize, and plan print, web, and electronic communication projects, including making expert recommendations on approaches that will improve efficiency, reduce costs, support branding policies, and elevate the effectiveness of University communications. Apply creative thinking and problem solving skills to provide professional design appropriate to the target audience for educational and promotional materials on a diverse range of content topics. Meet with and present concepts to colleagues and clients and openly discuss opportunities to evolve and enhance creative concepts in order to improve effectiveness of communications and develop strong, lasting relationships. Project Management (10%) Independently manage multiple projects; set and meet critical dates within the design and execution process; communicate effectively with both internal and external clients; coordinate with colleagues and external vendors; develop and maintain strong relationships with clients. Essential Functions of the Position Coordinate print projects from concept to delivery. Coordinate development of electronic communications from concept to final implementation. Meet with clients to gain a complete understanding of their unit, their role in the University, their audience(s), and the goal of the proposed communications; recommend solutions for meeting their stated objectives; design pieces that effectively meet the stated objectives while adhering to University communications policies. Effectively communicate with clients for the duration of a project through phone conversations, email, and both personal and Zoom meetings; provide ongoing project updates; request feedback on work and respond with revised work or situation appropriate recommendations. Communicate with co‑workers to facilitate successful initiation and completion of projects. Develop a thorough understanding of all University communications policies and graphic standards; consult with University clients on effective University communications. Work Environment Work is performed primarily in an office setting. Periodic press checks will occur in a production setting within the same building. Occasional meetings and photo/video shoots are held at locations on the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. This position requires travel between University locations for meetings, photography sessions, and video productions. The successful candidate must have access to reliable transportation capable of transporting video, audio, lighting, and photography equipment. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Education: BA/BS degree in design or related discipline or 4 years combined equivalent education and experience in visual and/or web design, video, communications, or similar field. Motivation to learn new skills, research the latest technologies, explore creative opportunities, and enthusiastically address challenges. Extensive experience with the Adobe Creative suite toolset (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects and Audition); experience with Microsoft Office programs. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to listen, articulate your design, and advocate for best practice solutions. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required Interest and enthusiasm for emerging technologies; openness and passion for design trends and new approaches to communicating; solid grasp of latest graphic and web design principles and aesthetics. Ability to solve problems - both for clients (offering effective solutions to communications challenges) and internally (effectively completing projects by researching, working closely with co‑workers, and adapting work as needed). Demonstrated ability to design creatively within a visual identity system and manage brand standards. Ability to proactively self‑manage time and tasks with minimal guidance and maintain high, sustained levels of productivity under tight deadlines. High level of skill using the Adobe Creative suite toolset (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects and Audition). Preferred Video and photography experience. Understanding of current web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and javascript libraries. Print production and vendor experience. Experience designing and executing social media campaigns. Experience working in a large institutional or corporate environment. Experience creating accessible documents, PDFs, websites, or multimedia content and familiarity with accessibility regulations and standards, including Title II requirements for public entities. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $25.00 - $28.85 per hour ($52,000 - $60,000 annually) depending on education/qualifications/experience. Benefits include competitive wages, paid holidays, generous time off, learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs, low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, HSA contributions, disability and employer‑paid life insurance, employee wellbeing program, excellent retirement plans, public service loan forgiveness opportunity, financial counseling services, employee assistance program, and free or reduced public transit pass in the Twin Cities metro area. Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. #J-18808-Ljbffr