This position reports to the Creative Director and plays a key role in advancing and stewarding the visual identity of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). The role works closely with other Creative Design Specialists within the Development and Alumni Relations Communications department (DARCOMM) and, when applicable, Creative Team student staff.
This position is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of graphic design solutions supporting clients and units within DAR. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, consulting with clients and developing and implementing designs through multiple communication mediums (e.g., web, social media platforms, digital advertising, signage, promotional marks, promotional merchandise, and print products such as mailers, invitations, and magazines). Responsibilities also include contributing to the development and execution of divisional marketing and communication strategies, as well as overseeing promotional merchandise vendor relationships and leading merchandise innovation efforts.
This position ensures all design work complies with the visual identity and branding of the University of Georgia and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations and requires independent initiative in supporting the university visual identity and trademark approval process. This includes collaborating with other Creative Design Specialists and the Creative Director to interpret, apply, and support implementation of branding standards and visual identity guidelines to ensure a cohesive brand presence across everything produced in the division. In addition, this position identifies opportunities and recommends new communication strategies and creative tactics that enhance the effectiveness of DAR communications.
This position is critical in helping DAR create and implement a consistent, branded communication plan, contributing to key communication initiatives and milestones, helping strengthen the quality, innovation, and effectiveness of DAR’s outreach to alumni and donors.
Special Instructions to Applicants
- This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.
- Only applicants who include a link to their online portfolio will be considered. If a link is not available, a PDF portfolio may be submitted in its place.
Additional Schedule Information
8:00am–5:00pm; Flexibility to work evenings and weekends may be necessary to meet business needs
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
- At least 4 years of full-time professional experience specifically in graphic design, preferably in a directly relevant industry or agency setting
- A strong and diverse portfolio showcasing proficiency in branding, print design, digital design, typography, text hierarchy, and other relevant design work
- Demonstrated experience working in the core Adobe Creative Suite design software
- Experience managing ongoing relationships with vendors
- Experience working within brand and visual identity guidelines
- Ability to mentor student staff and assign work as needed
- Ability to develop and apply expertise in branded merchandise and promotional products, supporting merchandise vendor relationships in collaboration with the Creative Director
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
- Self-starter and can independently manage assigned projects and make informed, independent decisions within established guidelines
- Demonstrates initiative and accountability through all stages of project development and delivery
- Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Ability to collaborate with others, build working relationships, and enlist buy-in from stakeholders at all levels
- Demonstrates Professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a high level of knowledge in their skill area
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and other design software as applicable
- Solid understanding of design principles, including layout, color theory, typography, text hierarchy, and composition
- Experience with image/photo editing and retouching
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with unit partners, vendor representatives, student staff, and team members
- Creative problem-solving abilities, with a track record of providing innovative design solutions
- Adaptability to new design trends, technologies, and industry changes
- Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to navigate moderately complex or ambiguous project requirements
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-caliber work
- Ability to be consistently receptive to feedback or edits and to maintain a solution-focused approach
- Adaptability to evolving priorities, technologies, and design trends
- Experience mentoring or training others
- Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct
- Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia
Additional Division Expectations
- Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
- Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.
Physical Demands
- Some after-hours work and/or traveling may be required
- Work in a standard office environment
- Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
- Work using electronic communications, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
- Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
- Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
- Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
- Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
Duties/Responsibilities
(55%) Creative Design and Project Execution
- Develop and deliver high-quality design solutions for units within the division, working collaboratively with the creative director, communications coordinators, digital strategists, and content writers.
- Contribute to design strategy for publications, websites, and social media.
- Manage the use of trademarked university assets and visual identity elements, ensuring projects align with both campaign-specific and university brand guidelines.
- Act as an expert in trademark compliance within DARCOMM and serve as a resource to project partners on the implementation and application of visual identity standards.
- Lead creative planning and contribute to strategy development for assigned projects, campaigns, and initiatives; lead creative discussion in kickoff meetings, guide cross-functional brainstorming and concept development, develop creative briefs, and present recommendations that align stakeholders and advance organizational objectives.
- Lead or co-lead the creative development and implementation of campaign and event visual identities, toolkit resources, and strategic communication initiatives, translating objectives into cohesive visual solutions across multiple channels.
- Exercise independent judgment in design execution, evaluating communication needs and alternative approaches to recommend creative solutions that strengthen audience engagement, maintain brand consistency, and support campaign objectives.
- Serve as a trusted creative resource and collaborator to project partners, contributing to project direction through strategic design consultation, concept refinement, and visual problem-solving.
- Responsible for active shared ownership and accountability in all assigned projects.
- Follow DARCOMM’s workflow processes and leverage the project management system to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
- Collaborate proactively with the assigned Communications Coordinator to manage project timelines and ensure unit needs are met.
- Understand and adhere to deadlines. If a deadline will be missed, communicate in advance to appropriate parties.
- Keep interested DARCOMM partners informed about projects on a regular basis.
- Present high profile design projects to DARCOMM as well as clients, articulating rationale for design.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and support unit goals.
(30%) Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Engage in regularly scheduled DARCOMM staff meetings to discuss updates, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
- Collaborate with creative team members on a regular basis to work on division and university-wide projects including campaign initiatives.
- Build relationships with DARCOMM and DAR colleagues to collaborate on projects and develop creative solutions for our division.
- Provide clear communication to unit partners and DARCOMM team members regarding project development, creative vision, and strategy.
- Provide collaborative creative leadership and design expertise on unit, division-wide, and special projects as assigned, bringing together stakeholder perspectives to strengthen concepts, inform content development, and advance high-impact communications initiatives.
- Coordinate and lead the recruitment, onboarding, and development of student design staff, providing day-to-day direction, assigning projects, and ensuring deliverables align with departmental standards, brand guidelines, and project objectives.
- Build and strengthen collaborative relationships among student designers, DARCOMM staff, and student employees across disciplines, providing mentorship and guidance that promotes effective teamwork, knowledge sharing, and successful project execution.
(15%) Vendor Coordination, Production, & Technical Expertise
- Lead production for print and branded merchandise projects, including vendor selection, spec sheet, estimations, proofing, and press checks when necessary.
- Stay up to date on print standards, practices, techniques, and industry trends. Meet with print vendors, assess printer capabilities, and visit print facilities as needed to support that goal.
- Develop and maintain relationships with merchandise vendors and promotional product suppliers to support stewardship, donor engagement, and brand visibility initiatives while ensuring high standards of quality, service, and responsiveness.
- Research, evaluate, and recommend branded merchandise and promotional products, providing subject-matter expertise, that align with project objectives, audience needs, budget considerations, and brand standards; Serve as a subject matter resource for unit partners and DARCOMM colleagues on sourcing considerations, production requirements, and emerging product opportunities.
- Monitor industry trends, emerging products, and best practices in branded merchandise and promotional products; maintain a curated collection of samples, resources, and vendor information; and coordinate occasional vendor visits, product demonstrations, and trade show opportunities for Creative Team.
About the University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the Division of Development and Alumni Relations
The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.
About the Development and Alumni Relations' Office of Communications
We serve as an in-house marketing agency for the Development & Alumni Relations division (DAR) at the University of Georgia. Twice a year, we plan. The rest of the time, we design mailers, build websites, write, film, photograph, tweet, and a lot more. Collaboration is how we do our best work. White-boarding and idea-bouncing get us going. Data and analytics teach us how to do better next time. We love to learn from one another. We often partner with the Marketing & Communications division and build templates and tools to help all schools, colleges, and units with development and alumni relations. We streamline. And dot-connect. And always do our best to consider our audiences’ perspectives. We are always searching for new ways – more creative ways – to reach our alumni and donors. To help our division achieve its mission and help every DAR unit achieve its goals.
EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([contact details available in the full listing]).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy [contact details available in the full listing].
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
