Senior Digital Design Specialist

Position overview

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a Senior Digital Design Specialist to translate brand strategy into compelling visual experiences across web, digital, and print platforms. This position reports to the AVP of Brand & Creative Strategy (B&CS) and works in close collaboration with the other members of the B&CS team (Video Producer, Photographer, Design team, Production Coordinator, and Project Manager), the Digital Strategy team (UX Designer, Director of Digital Strategy, and Web Specialist), and members of the Marketing and Communications team. This role is the visual design expert who transforms user experience wireframes into high-fidelity, on-brand digital designs and develops production-ready print materials for recruitment and marketing campaigns. You will be the bridge between brand strategy and digital execution, ensuring UMBC's visual identity is consistently and beautifully expressed across all touchpoints. The ideal candidate is a versatile designer who is equally comfortable creating pixel-perfect web components in Figma, designing engaging animations, developing print collateral, and contributing to UMBC Magazine. You thrive in a collaborative environment, understand how design translates to code, and can advocate for both brand standards and user needs.

Why Work at UMBC?

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $69,000 - $78,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available. What is it like to work at UMBC? Check out Glassdoor or Indeed. For 16 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For!

Telework

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Responsibilities

Web & Digital Design

• Partner closely with the UX Designer to transform wireframes, prototypes, and research insights into high-fidelity visual designs in Figma.
• Own the visual design layer: typography, color, imagery, iconography, and brand application for web projects.
• Design responsive web components, page layouts, and digital experiences that work seamlessly across devices.
• Create web-optimized graphics, illustrations, photography treatments, and visual assets.
• Design micro-interactions, animations, and motion design to enhance user experience and delight.
• Contribute visual design expertise to the web design system: design component visual styles, ensure brand consistency, and participate in design system reviews.
• Coordinate with the Web Specialist to ensure designs are implementable and maintainable.
• Work with the Director of Digital Strategy (and future Front-End Developer) to ensure designs translate effectively to code.
• Create digital assets for social media, email campaigns, digital advertising, and other marketing channels.
• Design landing pages, campaign microsites, and interactive digital experiences.
• Develop templates and systems that empower campus partners to create on-brand digital content.

Print & Production Design

• Design production-ready print materials, including brochures, posters, signage, direct mail, and recruitment collateral using Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Prepare files for print production with proper bleeds, color profiles, and specifications.
• Balance digital-first thinking with print design excellence.

UMBC Magazine Design

• Contribute to the design of UMBC Magazine, including layout, typography, and visual storytelling.
• Collaborate with the editorial team, designers, and photographers to create compelling, publication-quality designs.

Brand System Development

• Develop and maintain brand assets, templates, and design systems for print and non-web digital channels.
• Contribute visual design expertise to the web design system (owned and maintained by the Digital Strategy team).
• Create and document design patterns, components, and guidelines for print and brand applications.
• Ensure all work maintains UMBC's brand standards and visual identity.
• Evolve the brand system to meet emerging needs while maintaining consistency.
• Coordinate with the Digital Strategy team on web design system updates to ensure brand alignment.

Cross-Team Collaboration & Innovation

• Participate in project kickoffs, design reviews, and collaborative workshops with Digital Strategy, Marketing, Communications, and B&CS teams.
• Stay current with design trends, web technologies, accessibility standards, and best practices.
• Advocate for design excellence, brand integrity, and user needs throughout the creative process.
• Contribute ideas and insights to improve UCM's overall design and digital capabilities.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• B.A./B.F.A. in graphic design, digital design, web design, visual communication, or related field required
• Minimum 5 years of professional design experience, with strong emphasis on digital/web design
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality web and digital design work

Technical Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in Figma for web/digital design, prototyping, and component design
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Strong understanding of responsive web design principles and mobile-first design
• Working knowledge of HTML/CSS and how designs translate to code (not required to code, but must understand feasibility and constraints)
• Experience designing animations, micro-interactions, and motion graphics
• Understanding of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and designing for accessibility
• Experience with design systems, component libraries, and pattern documentation

Design Skills

• Exceptional visual design skills: typography, color theory, layout, composition
• Ability to design within brand guidelines while bringing creativity and innovation
• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles
• Experience designing for both digital and print production
• Photography direction and image editing skills

Collaboration & Communication

• Excellent communication skills and ability to present and defend design decisions
• Experience collaborating with UX designers, developers, and cross-functional teams
• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback constructively
• Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while staying connected to the team

Preferred Qualifications

• B.A./M.F.A. preferably in graphic design, digital design, web design, visual communication, or related field
• 6-8 years of professional experience preferred
• Experience in higher education or complex, mission-driven organizations
• Familiarity with WordPress and content management systems
• Video editing and motion graphics capabilities
• Photography skills
• Experience with user testing and incorporating feedback into design iterations
• Knowledge of front-end frameworks and development workflows
• Experience with prototyping tools beyond Figma (After Effects, Principle, etc.)

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload a cover letter and a resume, and share a link to your online portfolio.

Salary

Salary: $69,000 - $78,000 depending on qualifications and experience. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Benefits

UMBC offers a rich benefits package. Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here): Generous Leave which includes accruing: 22 Days of Annual Leave, 15 Days of Sick Leave, 15 Holidays, 3 Personal Days. Tuition Remission: 8 credit hours per semester, Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment. Additional Benefits: Life and disability insurance, Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan), Professional development opportunities, Wellness opportunities, & Much more.