Graphic Designer (Senior Graphic Designer) - Creative & Digital Services, VC Student Affairs

The position performs highly complex graphic design work across print, publication, digital, web, presentation, environmental, and multimedia applications, with particular emphasis on long-form and multi-page publication design. The Senior Graphic Designer works directly with clients and Creative Digital Services staff to translate complex communication needs into effective, brand-aligned visual solutions; resolves technical and production challenges; prepares concepts and production-ready files; and coordinates specifications, cost/time estimates, and production requirements for in-house and approved external production. The position is expected to exercise advanced design judgment, manage multiple assignments and deadlines, and provide design guidance or technical support to less-experienced staff as assigned. Duties Responsibilities: Work closely with clients and CDS colleagues to clarify project goals, audiences, deliverables, schedules, budgets, and design requirements, including complex projects with multiple media applications. Develop and refine highly complex visual concepts, layouts, and design solutions for print, publications, digital, web, presentation, display, environmental, multimedia, and other communication needs. Design and produce multi-page and long-form publications such as annual reports, viewbooks, catalogs, guides, booklets, programs, magazines, and similar materials, applying strong editorial hierarchy, typography, grid systems, pagination, image integration, and visual consistency. Resolve or advise on complex design, technical, and production problems, including projects that span multiple media or require advanced production knowledge. Select and apply typography, imagery, illustration, photography, layout, and other visual elements to create clear, cohesive, and effective communications. Prepare mockups, proofs, and presentation materials to communicate design concepts, support client review, and coordinate production. Create and prepare high-quality electronic artwork and production-ready files for in-house print, digital delivery, display, multimedia, and approved external production. Develop technical specifications and provide cost/time estimates and procedural information for projects requiring outside services, materials, or specialized production. Coordinate with customer service, print production, photographers, videographers, web staff, vendors, and other partners to confirm production methods, requirements, schedules, and quality standards. Help resolve production or technical issues with outside vendors when advanced design or production expertise is required. Create web graphics, presentation materials, and other digital assets and perform image editing, manipulation, and optimization using current professional design tools. Apply university and departmental brand standards and established production practices while maintaining accuracy, visual quality, accessibility considerations, and consistency across deliverables. Maintain organized project files and accurately record labor, materials, project status, and other required information in departmental business and project-management systems. Manage multiple projects and deadlines, communicate status or production concerns promptly, and collaborate with team members to resolve design or production issues. Provide design advice, technical guidance, and informal mentoring to student employees, junior designers, or other less-experienced staff as assigned; may assist supervisors with workload coordination, interviews, or performance feedback when appropriate. Advise supervisors regarding design software, equipment, technology, and production needs based on project requirements and evolving industry practices. Maintain current knowledge of graphic design, publication and editorial design, print production, digital media, accessibility, multimedia, and evolving creative technologies and practices. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.