Graphic Design Lead

UL Research Institutes is hiring a Graphic Design Lead for the Columbia, Maryland office to shape creative direction and oversee end-to-end graphic design work for Fire Safety and related teams. Responsibilities Own creative direction and vision across graphic design projects, keeping work aligned with brand and organizational goals through brainstorming, concept development, and ideation Manage the full design project lifecycle from concept through execution, with focus on meeting deadlines and quality standards Partner with project managers, content creators, and stakeholders to define scope, objectives, and deliverables Allocate resources, manage team workloads, and delegate tasks within the design team Create design content across digital and print channels, including social and newsletter graphics, digital/web ads, and print or event collateral Build templated document systems, presentation materials, illustrations, and other design assets using appropriate tools and software Ensure deliverables are visually compelling, user-friendly, and consistent with messaging and brand guidelines Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing communications, instructional design, and research, to translate project requirements into effective design solutions Perform detailed design reviews for accuracy, consistency, and alignment to project goals; provide constructive feedback and guidance to improve final work Monitor industry trends, tools, and best practices; research and propose new techniques and technologies to elevate team output Contribute to and/or lead department-specific and cross-functional initiatives Requirements Advanced visual design knowledge and proficiency Strong proficiency with graphic design tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant tools Demonstrated leadership and team management ability, including mentoring and guiding junior designers Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting and articulating design concepts In-depth understanding of design principles, typography, layout, and brand systems Preferred: working knowledge of print production and prepress, including file preparation with bleeds, CMYK, and die lines, plus collaboration with print vendors Able to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities simultaneously Problem-solving mindset and adaptability to changing project requirements Minimum 8 years of relevant professional graphic design experience Portfolio evidence including digital/web ads and social/newsletter graphics, production-ready print work, and template/document systems Plus: 2D and/or 3D animation or motion graphics experience Plus: illustration, icon design, animation, or motion graphics experience Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Visual Communication, or an equivalent combination of education and experience Technologies Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Benefits Bonus compensation Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay Additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment Depending on role, ability to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager Paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days Location: Columbia, MD (onsite) Salary: USD 81,456 - 112,002 per yearly (Salary) #J-18808-Ljbffr UL Research Institutes