Graphic Designer

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, DAR Communications and Marketing, the Graphic Designer develops and implements creative design strategies for Rice's Development and Alumni Relations division. Specific duties include the design of print communications such as direct mail solicitations, invitations, brochures and newsletters, as well as digital communications including webpages, emails, social media campaigns and video graphics. The Graphic Designer also helps develop communication plans and strategies, stays abreast of best practices and trends, attends and/or advises on press checks, and helps ensure the high quality and visual consistency of marketing materials produced by the Development and Alumni Relations division. Finally, the Graphic Designer works closely with campus partners, including Rice's Public Affairs division, to represent and promote Rice University's brand.

The ideal candidate will be a highly versatile and organized creative professional who works collaboratively with a team of writers, designers, web and social media staff, and production managers to effectively engage Rice's constituents in the life of the university.

This position currently has a hybrid work arrangement, with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Two years of related experience, including graphic design for print and web communications
• Skills Required
  • Demonstrated understanding of graphic design principles, and expertise in Adobe creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign for PC
  • Ability to design and produce quick turnaround print materials
  • Basic proficiency in writing, editing, and proofing, with knowledge of grammar and punctuation
  • Ability to understand materials of moderate complexity and synthesize across multiple sources to produce materials for diverse audiences
  • Firm understanding of web technologies and applications, including social networking, social media tools, and current communication trends
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple deadlines
  • Excellent time management skills

Essential Functions

• Designs and produces in-house communications materials 
• Compiles and / or prepares complex illustrations, photos, and pictures for graphic design assignments
• Maintains the visual quality, consistency and tone of all print and web material, ensuring that content is fresh and follows best practices
• Serves as a catalyst for creative thought, project timeliness, and completion
• Provides art direction and takes photos for quick-turnaround communication pieces 
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Responsible for budget oversight and cost control pertaining to individual print projects
• As a representative of the university, the Graphic Designer must be circumspect about spending university funds and must understand the fundraising efforts being undertaken by the university 
• Occasionally, work may extend beyond business hours in order to meet deadlines, and attendance at after-hours departmental events on or off campus may be required

Preferences

• Experience providing art direction to photographers, videographers and other vendors
• Experience working collaboratively and leading creative projects, including pitching concepts to clients/partners
• Ample experience designing in a variety of web formats, including, but not limited to, mobile responsive and parallax websites, a variety of social formats, emails, etc.
• Experience with film editing and production and motion graphics illustration
• Experience using and working with database information systems
• Skills
  • Ability to take high-quality photographs, including individual portraits, studio shots, candid and event photos, etc. 
  • Ability to develop and implement creative social media marketing strategies
  • Design for the web with knowledge of UX/UI and accessibility best practices
  • Ability to use CMS systems to create webpages and knowledge of basic HTML

Rice University HR | Benefits 

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19, currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID-19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.