Graphic Designer

Position Description

Are you a creative and organized graphic designer? Are you looking to join a dynamic, warm, community-focused team at a growing university? Eastern University is looking for a Graphic Designer to join our vibrant, energetic team!

In this role, you'll:

• Craft print and digital designs, sharing our brand's story.
• Join a passionate and warm Marketing team, creating compelling design pieces that align with our brand.
• Focus on projects for the Office of the President, Office of Advancement, and the Office of Marketing & Communications, including fundraising campaigns and leadership communications in both print and digital formats.

Position Responsibilities

• Uses originality, imagination, and creative discretion to develop and execute high-quality visual design solutions that align with institutional branding and strategic objectives. Collaborates with the Marketing Team and various university departments to conceptualize and deliver visually compelling materials, including but not limited to annual reports, brochures, digital assets, flyers, and pitch decks.
• Exercises independent creative judgment in choosing design styles, visual elements, typography, layout, and color theory to communicate complex information clearly and artistically across a wide range of media and platforms.
• Stays current on design trends, visual storytelling techniques, and evolving technologies. Regularly integrates this expertise into the creative process to elevate the university’s visual brand identity.
• Operates with substantial autonomy to interpret brand guidelines and apply them creatively across diverse campaigns and materials. Partners with the Brand Design Director to ensure visual consistency while also contributing original ideas that push the boundaries of the brand’s evolution.
• Independently generates original illustrations, graphics, and visual treatments that enhance messaging and capture audience attention. Makes creative decisions that significantly influence the final presentation and emotional impact of the design.
• Reviews and proofreads all artwork throughout each stage of development with a high level of detail and accuracy. Collaborates as necessary but is primarily responsible for the visual integrity and professional quality of finished pieces.
• Initiates and contributes to brainstorming sessions and creative reviews. Brings forward unique design concepts and demonstrates the professional judgment required to identify the most effective solutions for each project.
• Acts as the primary creative contact for stakeholders, including the Offices of University Marketing & Communications, the President, and Advancement. Communicates directly with these offices to advise on visual strategy, present design drafts, and integrate feedback independently.
• Maintains a positive, solutions-focused mindset and fosters a collaborative creative environment. Demonstrates professionalism, initiative, and responsibility in the execution of duties, and works with minimal supervision.
• Oversees the end-to-end creative production process. Makes independent decisions on vendor selection, print specifications, production timelines, and budget considerations. Manages production logistics to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials.
• Embodies values of caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence and affirmation.
• Seeks to treat each member of the campus community with fairness, dignity and respect seeking a spirit of unity and harmony as we join together to achieve our common mission.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A college degree or equivalent experience, with continuing education in relevant software preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience in graphic design using software including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Thorough knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with Apple software is preferred. HTML skill is a plus.
• Strong creative, communication, organizational, problem solving, and time-management skills. Works well with tight deadlines in a team environment.
• Experience working for a university or creating content for fundraising campaigns is an asset.

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.