Side Hustle - Graphic Design

The Cleveland Institute of Art invites applications for the position of Graphic Designer , reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. This position plays an important role in advancing the College's strategic marketing and communications efforts through the development and production of compelling visual materials that support recruitment, advancement, institutional branding, and community engagement. As a member of the Marketing and Communications team, the Graphic Designer helps bring CIA's brand to life across print and digital channels while supporting the College's mission of cultivating creative leaders in art and design.

Working closely with marketing and communications colleagues, enrollment staff, and campus partners, the Graphic Designer is responsible for executing established creative strategies and producing high-quality marketing materials that effectively communicate the value of a CIA education. The successful candidate will contribute to a wide range of projects, including publications, advertising, event materials, digital assets, environmental graphics, and promotional collateral, while ensuring consistency with institutional brand standards.

Primary responsibilities include designing and producing print and digital marketing materials; maintaining excellence in visual design across publications and communications; supporting brand consistency across collateral, signage, merchandise, and promotional materials; organizing and maintaining digital content archives; managing assigned projects and timelines; and supporting the continuous improvement and implementation of CIA's brand standards. The Graphic Designer also collaborates with colleagues across the institution to support strategic communications initiatives and other departmental projects as assigned.

The ideal candidate will possess strong visual communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to producing thoughtful, high-quality design work. Candidates should demonstrate creativity, sound design judgment, and the ability to translate institutional goals into compelling visual solutions. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are essential.

The Graphic Designer should be highly adaptable and comfortable working in a collaborative environment while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines. Experience preparing production-ready files for both print and digital distribution is required. The successful candidate will maintain a high standard of design excellence while ensuring projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with established brand guidelines.

Successful candidates must be able to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, collaborate effectively with colleagues and external vendors, and identify opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of marketing and communications efforts through creative visual storytelling.

A bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should possess a minimum of three years of design experience in a professional, freelance, or internship setting. Additional skills in photography, motion graphics, illustration, video editing, or related creative disciplines are a plus.

This is a full-time, exempt position. Cleveland Institute of Art offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, sick, and personal time accrual; paid time off during the College's winter break closure; health and dental insurance; life and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement contributions; and Inter-Museum Council discounts.

Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively purses individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, CIA complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students, and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.

The Cleveland Institute of Art is one of the nation's leading accredited independent colleges of art and design. Since 1882, the college has been an educational cornerstone in Cleveland, Ohio, producing graduates competitive as studio artists, designers, photographers, contemporary craftspeople, and educators. With approximately 600 students, CIA offers a personal educational experience with the benefits of a larger institution. Students choose from 13 majors and live and work in Cleveland's University Circle, one of the country's most unique cultural centers, recently named by USA Today as the "Best Arts District" in the country.

The mission of CIA is to cultivate creative leaders who inspire people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable economy through an innovative education in art and design. Visit our website at

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