Graphic Designer - Strategic Marketing and Communications, 28470

About the position

The University of Missouri - Kansas City is looking for a creative, collaborative graphic designer to provide concept, design, production and coordination for wide-ranging materials in both digital and print formats for UMKC academic and administrative units. This position has the opportunity to work on projects in a variety of subject areas due to the number of disciplines within the university. Strong organizational skills and self-motivation are essential as designers are responsible for managing their own workload and meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide concepts, design, layout and artwork production for electronic and printed projects as assigned.
• Prepare designs, mockups and artwork in accordance with the UMKC branding guidelines and the standards of the graphic arts and pre-press industry.
• Research trends, competitors and target audiences to inform visual concepts.
• Work as a member of a team with project managers, writers, photographers/videographers and relationship managers.
• Work with vendors to ensure proper adherence to UMKC printing quality and brand standards while striving for affordability.
• Communicate about visual concepts with colleagues, present concepts to clients, and absorb and apply constructive criticism.
• Deliver great customer service by being responsive, flexible and collaborative.
• Work independently on assigned project tasks and communicate status.
• Maintain proficiency in the use of computer hardware and software used by the industry.
• Provide art direction to photographers and videographers.
• Estimate, track and communicate project costs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

Nice-to-haves

• A penchant for details and organization, including the ability to prioritize tasks, communicate progress and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Project management and coordination skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) and Microsoft Office on Mac format.
• Good people skills, including the ability to interact effectively with varied persons and personalities.
• Demonstrated design experience in a variety of formats such as advertisements, promotional materials, websites, digital communications, magazines, banners, and/or billboards.
• Ability to think strategically about how multiple projects fit together as a whole.
• Experience working with vendors to negotiate prices and find creative ways to save money.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision plans.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid caregiver leave.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.