Art Director, NC State Magazine

Work Schedule: Core Business Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; this is an onsite role with flexibility and some hybrid options depending on business needs.

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department : University Communications

About the Department:

North Carolina State University was founded in 1887 with the purpose of creating economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today NC State is the largest university in North Carolina, with more than 37,000 high-performing students, 9,000 pre-eminent faculty and staff and 260,000 alumni. NC State is an extensive research university known for its leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We're also at the forefront of teaching and research in agriculture, business, design, education, humanities and social sciences, natural resources, textiles and veterinary medicine. NC State is consistently named as one of the best values in higher education, and many of our programs are ranked at the top of their respective disciplines. We take a great deal of pride in our collaborative, supportive and collegial team culture. All staff are provided opportunities for training and professional development, with an eye to personalized career growth.

University Communications and Marketing is NC State's dedicated communications agency. Our team provides leadership, strategy, services and support to advance the NC State brand and help the university achieve its core mission. We work to promote local, national and worldwide visibility for the university and its students, faculty and staff. The office is committed to informing the public and the university community about NC State's innovative, diverse learning environment, its world-leading scholarship and research, and its dedication to improving lives by finding practical solutions to real-world problems.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits:

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Essential Job Duties:

NC State magazine is a three-times-a-year, perfect-bound print publication that connects alumni, friends, and supporters with the university. As Art Director, you will help shape each issue from story development through final production, bringing a visual perspective to story pitches and editorial content while leading the overall design and upholding the magazine's award-winning aesthetic and NC State University Brand standards.

From the cover that draws a reader into the visual details that carry a story forward, this role brings the magazine's stories to life through design. With a voice in story pitch meetings and as a creative partner to the editors, the graphic designer, photographers, and illustrators, you will connect editorial content with compelling visuals and carry that vision through design, proofing, and production. The result is a polished, cohesive publication that strengthens the connection between the magazine, its audiences, and NC State.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape the visual direction for each issue through cover and feature concepts and designs that bring the magazine's stories to life while maintaining alignment with NC State brand standards and the magazine's established aesthetic.
• Contribute to the editorial process through story pitch meetings and feedback on stories and headlines, helping shape a strong connection between the story, its visual treatment, and the reader's experience.
• Translate stories into visual experiences by collaborating with editors and the graphic designer to develop photography, illustration, and design elements that complement and strengthen each story.
• Guide the magazine design process from concept through final production, refining layouts and coordinating design adjustments to create a cohesive, polished publication.
• Supervise the graphic designer by providing creative direction and support that strengthens the quality and consistency of the magazine's visual presentation.
• Build creative partnerships with freelance and in-house photographers and illustrators, identifying new talent and cultivating relationships that expand the magazine's visual storytelling.
• Coordinate print production as the primary contact with the printer, keeping production on schedule and addressing design-related needs to move each issue smoothly to completion.
• Support final quality control through proofing, corrections, and final design review, helping ensure each issue meets the magazine's established standards before going to print.
• Maintain the magazine's digital asset archive so images, illustrations, text files, PDFs, and completed issues remain organized and accessible.

If you are a thoughtful, creative designer who sees the connection between strong storytelling and compelling visual communication, we invite you to bring your perspective to NC State magazine and become part of the team shaping how the university's stories reach its readers.

Other Responsibilities:

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Five years of experience leading editorial or publication design, preferably for a magazine or other print publication, including developing layouts and visual concepts from conception through final production.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, InCopy, Photoshop, and Illustrator, to create and refine publication layouts, imagery, and visual elements.
• Knowledge of print production and color management, including typesetting, color correction, color proofing, and offset and digital printing processes.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating artistic vision and visual storytelling, with examples that show creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to apply design and brand standards across a publication.
• Experience collaborating with writers, editors, designers, and other creative partners to meet deadlines and manage changing priorities, while maintaining accuracy and the quality of the final publication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with AP style is a plus.
• Experience working in higher education or an understanding of land grant, research Tier One university environment.
• Experience with WordPress.
• Knowledge of social media.

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required:

No

Commercial Driver's License required:

No

Job Open Date:

09/25/2026

Anticipated Close Date:

10/9/2026, if posting is active we are still accepting and reviewing applications.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

As part of your application please upload the following:
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Contact information for at least three professional references
4. Design/layout samples or links to your online portfolio

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Number:

00062915

Position Type:

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week):

1.0

Appointment:

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather:

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events:

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID:

281001 - Payroll