Student Designer, Marketing + Brand Communications

Student Designer

Department: Marketing + Brand Communications

Reports to: Creative Director, Design

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The anticipated pay rate for this position is $14.00 per hour.

Who We Are And What We’re About

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity. You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends. This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university. We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited. Lives are changed.

What We Are Looking For

A part-time position responsible for helping the Marketing + Brand Communications department with multiple functions including print and digital design; video editing; and marketing for special events such as One Day One KU. The ideal candidate for this position understands the power of visual storytelling and the role it plays in connecting the University of Kansas with its supporters.

This is a temporary position and is open only to undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Kansas. The individual in this position will work 10-15 hours per week, scheduled between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, in person at KU Endowment’s Lawrence office. Employment is evaluated at the end of each 16-week semester and could be extended by mutual agreement. Summer employment may also be considered.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.

What’s a typical day look like?

• Participates in brainstorming meetings and helps define unique approaches by using problem solving skills, creative visualization, design concepting and artistic production skills.
• Presents and articulates design concepts, strategies, and final designs clearly and effectively.
• Designs proposals, reports, invitations, marketing materials, newsletters, social media, and other communication materials, both print and electronic media.
• Assist videographer in editing or creating videos for social media that inspire donors and show the importance of private philanthropy at KU.
• Conduct research on best practices in various areas, including digital design, content creation, video production, and more. Share knowledge acquired with other staff members.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Perform other work as assigned.

What’s Required To Be Considered

• The ideal candidate will be a junior or senior student at KU who has completed upper-level coursework in KU’s Department of Design.
• Must be able to meet deadlines.
• Design samples and/or social media content samples (personal or for an organization) will be reviewed prior to hiring (classwork is acceptable). Please be prepared to share those during the application/interview process.

What separates the best from the rest?

• Proficient in the Mac environment.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and tools in the Microsoft Suite (Word, Outlook, Teams, PPT).
• Ability to work individually with minimal supervision and also in a team environment.
• Scriptwriting, videography, photography and video editing a plus.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.
• Strong attention to detail, time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with integrity and discretion.

Physical Requirements

• A valid driver’s license.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment; able to clearly view and read information on a computer screen; occasionally lift or move items up to 15 pounds.
• Minimal travel requirements to campus.

KU Endowment is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job as regulated by ADA. If you require accommodation for any part of the application process or during employment, please contact ***email_hidden*** to discuss your needs.

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume, cover letter and a sample of your work (may be an online portfolio link or a single PDF of a few of your classwork projects) when applying for this position on our website at

Questions Regarding This Vacancy May Be Addressed To

Human Resources

KU Endowment

PO Box 928

Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

Email: ***email_hidden***

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants. By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.