Sr Creative and Design Specialist - University of Rochester : Job Details

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location: 300 East River Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Department: 100006 Ofc Sr Vice Pres Advancement

Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)

Range: UR URG 112

Compensation Range: $70,197.00 - $105,295.00

General Purpose: The Creative and Design Manager activates the University's brand by creating strategic print and digital design that positions the University as a leading institution of global consequence. This position provides creative design services for a range of print and digital platforms to all University Advancement programs and partners, including the Office of the Senior Vice President, Events and Donor Engagement, Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Major Gifts, and Gift Planningas well as departments and divisions across the institutionincluding the office of the president, all undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, and the Medical Center.

• Strategizes with clients and partners to determine innovative ways to deliver information and reach audiences.
• Originates creative concepts and helps drive creative strategy.
• Develops and delivers creative solutions that meet client objectives.
• Takes highly abstract concepts, information, and data and turns it into concrete, appealing, easy-to-understand visual communication for print and/or digital publications and proposals.
• Manages multiple projects from concept through completion under tight deadlines.
• Works within client budgets as well as financial stewardship of the University.
• Exercises a significant degree of design control over projects to which assigned, ensuring that all design facets (overall concepts, typography, paper, colors, illustrations and photographs, etc.) are in keeping with the University's brand identity and are effective.
• Manages project life cycles from intake through delivery. Sets up input meetings, opens jobs, sets and adjusts schedules, tracks and reports on progress, liaises with external contractors and vendors, ensures successful delivery, and archives work.
• Presents layouts/comps for approval and reviews finished pages and proofs.
• Checks all proofs requested through production process to ensure high quality and client satisfaction.
• In the absence of self-generated photographic/illustrative solutions, art directs new photos/illustrations required for projects or gathers photos/illustrations from internal archives or external stock collections.
• Designs and maintains strategic creative initiatives for the institution, including Advancement program and affinity network identities, as well as the University seal, logo, wordmarks, and graphic identity system.
• Develops communications, projects, and presentations for university leadership, including, but not limited to, Office of the President, the Board of Trustees, Advancement Committee, Regional leadership groups, and deans in all areas of the University, all with national and international reach.
• Creates original identity platforms and visual assets for Advancement's flagship programs and campaigns, including, but not limited to, the George Eastman Circle, the Wilson Society, Celebration of Scholarships, Meliora Weekend, Day of Giving, Day of Gratitude, Forever Rochester Week, I Heart Rochester, Senior Giving Campaign, March Madness, and more.
• Preflight all electronic files (text and graphic) for printing and prepares files for use on the Web as needed.
• Provides printing specifications to print vendors based on approved layouts or for the purpose of getting print estimates to the client before production begins.
• Works directly with the Creative Director to exercise fiscal control over assigned projects to keep them within budget while maintaining the highest possible level of quality.
• Serves as a leader in best practices in graphic design.
• Consults with fellow designers as needed.
• Serves as an ambassador across the University for brand standards, monitoring brand integrity and consistency across all platforms and all divisions and departments of the University.
• Stays abreast of developments and technology in the graphic arts field through professional meetings/seminars/classes/workshops and reading trade publications and other related reference material.
• Meets with printers, paper representatives, and other graphic arts specialists when appropriate to keep abreast of latest equipment, services, and products available.

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Graphic Design, Graphic Arts, Visual Media, Fine Arts, New Media, or a related field Required
• A minimum of 4 years' experience in graphic design field with thorough knowledge of production Required
• or equivalent combination of education and experience Required

• Strategic thinking, with a proven ability to understand client needs and provide counsel on design solutions Required
• Knowledge of best design practices for print and digital materials, from flyers, postcards, and invitations to environmental graphics and outdoor signage to e-newsletters and PowerPoint templates Required
• Understanding of production processes for both print and digital projects (specifications, working with vendors, packaging files, production timelines) Required
• Time and project management (multi-tasking, flexibility, prioritizing, problem solving, schedule setting) Required
• Brand strategy and ability to manage a complex identity system and brand architecture for a large, diverse institution Required
• Understanding of typography, color, space, and how visual assets work together to visually communicate important information Required
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, etc.) with proficiency in a Mac OS X workspace Required
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, digital coding and design Required
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication. Required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.