Graphic Designer - Office for Advancement

Job Details

Empire State University, Office for Advancement, seeks a full-time Graphic Designer at our Saratoga Springs, NY location. The graphic designer would support the creation of compelling, brand-aligned visual and digital content that enhances alumni engagement, donor communications, and overall Advancement storytelling. This role blends graphic design, basic digital content creation, and production support to elevate the quality and consistency of philanthropic communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Bring positivity, creativity, and energy to the advancement team, contributing to a collaborative and solutions-oriented environment.
• Translate concepts and ideas into clear, compelling visual design solutions across print and digital formats.
• Design and layout a variety of university publications, including magazines, brochures, posters, fundraising materials, advertising, and signage.
• Execute the production of materials such as direct mail, infographics, emails, social media graphics, postcards, newsletters, banner ads, and other print and digital collateral.
• Assist in the development of web graphics and support the design and layout of web pages.
• Support the creation and editing of short-form video content for social media and digital platforms, including basic motion graphics and captioning.
• Adapt static designs into simple motion or video formats to enhance digital storytelling and engagement.
• Collaborate with project managers and team members to move projects through concept, design, and final production.
• Apply and integrate brand standards consistently across all materials.
• Use Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator; familiarity with Premiere Pro or After Effects) to produce and revise layouts, graphics, video, and imagery.
• Work closely with internal and external production partners, including print vendors.
• Create and edit PowerPoint presentations that align with the university's visual identity.
• Ensure all deliverables meet accessibility standards, including ADA compliance where applicable.
• Help maintain organized files and assets in alignment with team workflows and project management tools.

Ideal Candidate:

• Strong foundation in graphic design principles (typography, layout, visual hierarchy).
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop; familiarity with Premiere Pro or After Effects a plus).
• Demonstrated strength in digital storytelling, social media, and content creation.
• Basic understanding of web and social platforms.
• Detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years experience in a similar role.
• Expertise with Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator.
• A strong understanding of typography.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced environment.
• Portfolio of design work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS is preferred.

Special Information

• This position is located in Saratoga Springs, NY.
• Online portfolio is required for consideration.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
• SUNY Empire provides employees with robust remote and flexible work options.

Rank/Salary: Staff Assistant, SL2 / $51,500-$53,000, dependent on experience and qualifications.