Part-Time Senior Graphic Designer

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Marketing & Events

Time Type:

Part time

Work Modality:

Union:

Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

Job Description:

Summary:

The Part-time Senior Graphic Designer is part of a multi-disciplinary creative and technical team charged with delivering graphic design and creative services that promote and market WAMU 88.5 regionally and nationally to a diverse audience. The scope of work entails research, planning, concept development, design, production and print management of a diverse set of publication products and digital designs. Projects are developed per specific objectives, budget, and marketing strategy. Must work well independently and as part of a marketing team. This position is the primary liaison to commercial vendors to coordinate pre-press, print, and production schedules. Provides customer/project support to print, advertising, and digital publishing requests. Meets advertising and production deadlines; creates and maintains production calendar. Position requires general level of project supervision. Ensures the quality and consistency of all WAMU branding and design supports WAMU’s mission and is consistent with American University’s standards.

The nature of this role within the organizational unit is to provide graphic design and creative services and direction for WAMU 88.5, consulting with team members and partner liaisons as necessary to produce a full range of print and digital collateral for internal and external use. Collateral includes but is not limited to print marketing materials, annual reports, electronic newsletters, advertisements, presentations, infographics logos, signage and campaign collateral that promote specific objective while ensuring consistency and quality in messaging and brand positioning. (S)he must be able to take direction, work independently with minimal supervision, and work well in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

This position will maintain a production calendar for design and implementation, developed with direction from the Associate Director, Marketing & Events and Senior Director, Branding and Audience Development, and will be responsible for meeting all deadlines associated with paid and trade advertising, outsourced design, and promotional items.

Lead development and execution of creative services needs for a public radio station with multiple original programs. Contribute to the efforts of an Advancement department. Projects are designed to promote and market WAMU’s #1 position in the regional market, and growing national prominence. Leverage the stations original programs and syndicated programming. The intent is to build a higher visual profile for the station – one that is consistent from print to web. The position must work collaboratively with key stakeholders at the station and maintains a leadership role in establishing and maintaining brand standards for everything visually produced by the station. The position reports to the Associate Director of Marketing & Events.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Design and production of a variety of print and digital collateral (publications, ads, event materials, signage, presentations, etc.) based on station needs, audience, and budget.
• Research, planning, conversion and conceptual development of all creative services needs; submitting design proposals; developing print specifications, soliciting competitive bids, and completing pre-press preparation.
• Working collaboratively with our Products team to ensure consistency and continuity across all platforms.
• Creation and maintenance of production calendar for design products and advertising schedule; other related duties as assigned.
• Develop criteria and analyze competitive bids; serve as primary liaison to vendors.
• Draft and submit requisitions for Business Administration Office.
• Reviews and approves invoices and negotiate discrepancies.
• Complete post-production of projects including archiving digital files, photos/art and distribution of samples.
• Provide art direction for photographic and illustration needs, and in-house and off-site photo shoots and press checks.
• Provide consultation and support to other designers, web communications, marketing liaisons, and clients as needed.
• Other projects as assigned.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.
• 27 hours or less per week.
• The position will be on a hybrid work schedule working on-site a minimum of 3 days per week.

Salary Range:

• $40.06 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, information graphics or similar from an accredited institution.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience in a professional designer role producing and/or creating proven strategic design solutions.
• Knowledge of visual design principals with an emphasis on layout, typography, and visual identity.
• Excellent branding acumen required.
• Must have working knowledge of Mac OS and proven experience using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, Premiere, After Effects) and Microsoft Office products including PowerPoint and Word.
• Must possess and demonstrate proficiency scanning, retouching, and editing imagery.
• Demonstrate the ability to be highly creative while working within tight timelines and established guidelines; the ability to juggle priorities and satisfy the competing needs of various stakeholders; and demonstrate excellent communication and diplomacy skills.
• Must be able to provide, receive and respond to creative direction from various stakeholders and work towards continuous improvement.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Familiarity with WordPress and basic HTML/CSS preferred.
• Photography, videography, illustration, and animation skills a plus.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University’s unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.

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