Senior Graphic Designer

**Description:**

Responsible for: design leadership and independently developed creative and innovative concepts for high-priority projects as assigned; adherence to the university’s visual identity guidelines and a champion for the brand; complex graphic layouts and innovative designs; in-depth expert client consultations and professional advice for university communications; feature concept and design development for The Bridge magazine as assigned; visual design support for the University website and other digital communications; photography for print, web and other digital communications as assigned; art directing and coordinating assigned photo shoots; serving as creative director’s assistant as needed; mentoring and supervising the department’s design work study student; creative problem-solving; staying current in design trends and technology for print and digital environments.

**Primary Duties**

Independently create sound and innovative creative concepts for high priority projects. Proactively recommend, create and execute complex and conceptually creative graphic layouts and designs for print and web. Consult with campus clients on visual communication design and delivery options for both print and digital communications. Ensure adherence to institutional visual design standards. Stay current in design trends and technologies. Provide a high level of visual design support and design ideas/recommendations for print publications, University website and various other digital communications. Lead special projects as assigned; design features for The Bridge magazine as assigned; serve as assistant to creative director; demonstrate a high level of leadership and independent, proactive thinking in all areas of responsibility. Collaborate with other designers to balance workload; brainstorm creative ideas; collaborate and consult with printers, technology staff and Web team. Provide photography support for print, Web and other digital communications. Provide consistent and reliable attendance.

**Secondary Duties**

Other duties as assigned

**Education Required**

Bachelor’s degree preferred in graphic design or a related discipline such as communication design, digital design, or visual communications.

**Education Preferred**

Bachelor’s degree preferred in graphic design or a related discipline such as communication design, digital design, or visual communications.

**Experience Required**

5 years or more of proven professional graphic design experience in a Mac environment and at least 1 year web visual design education or experience; proven project management experience; pre-press and photography experience preferred; marketing background preferred; supervisory experience a plus.

**Skills, Characteristics Required**

• Proficient in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop in a Mac environment. InDesign + InCopy workflow experience a plus.

• Pre-press experience and experience working with printers / conducting press checks

• Proficiency in using project management, job tracking, and team collaboration software, such as BirdviewPSA, Basecamp, and MS Teams.

• Knowledge of printing and web terminology and procedures

• Knowledge of publication mailing requirements and specifications

• Experience with web graphics creation and standards

• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, Web / Web usability standards

• Working knowledge of paper types, terminology and technologies

• Technical proficiency in basic industry-standard hardware and software such as Word, Outlook, Excel, copiers, desktop printers etc.

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; ability to present and articulate design concepts and clear creative vision to clients and colleagues

• Excellent time management skills

• Proven organizational, planning skills and flexibility

• Independent project management and leadership experience; ability to think on-the-fly and problem-solve

• Proven creativity, independent problem-solving, concept development, brainstorming skills

• Ability to assume project leadership roles as assigned

• Ability to work independently and also collaborate with others

• Serve as assistant to creative director on photo shoots and other special projects

• Team player with positive, proactive attitude

• Attention to detail; accuracy

• Experience in photography and supervisory experience preferred

• Professional portfolio demonstrating a high level of creativity and creative/innovative concept development required

**Special Working Conditions**

N/A

**Driving Requirements**

N/A

Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.