Senior Designer

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Description:

• Manages and guides the work of in-house and external designers, photographers, illustrators, and other creative talent, assisting colleagues in their effort to incorporate superb visual design in all aspects of their work.
• Evaluates performance, determines professional development goals, and manages daily workflow for the design team. Stays abreast of current design and visual identity innovations and trends and advises accordingly.
• Researches, develops and leads conceptual and stylistic direction for ARD engagement campaigns, supporting the University brand and strategic goals through the use of graphic design best practices and creative innovation to engage with our audiences.
• Displays professional skill in the use of the Adobe Suite of design software including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat (XD and Premiere Pro familiarity helpful), in order to conceive, design and produce printed and digitally based tools such as brochures, periodicals, event identity and invitations, websites, social media posts, direct response marketing, and signage. Ability to create small scale animations and animated gifs highly valued.
• In addition to being able to work independently, designer must be willing to collaborate with manager, designers, editors, writers, and interactive developers to meet the department's goals by prioritizing workloads and producing professionally designed materials that are in strategic alignment.
• Contributes to creative critiques and brainstorms, while demonstrating a high regard for teamwork and the collective achievement of departmental goals; evaluate overall success of team efforts.
• Exhibits leadership qualities, including both delegate and execute plans; leading by word and by example; resolving conflicts and building consensus; and contributing to a positive work environment, which includes a commitment to client satisfaction.
• Cultivates and manages relationships with clients from ARD and other University departments and divisions. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
• Identifies, negotiates with, and manages outside vendors such as printers, photographers, illustrators, etc.
• Maintains archives of all projects, graphic files, photography and printed samples.
• Applies interpersonal and communications skills which include the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively in a professional context.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance and team creativity. These include attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Designs, conceptualizes and creates graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs, and illustrations, for various publications, advertising materials and/or customers by hand or using a computer. Prepares final layouts for print.
• Guides, plans and assigns other graphic artists to projects and tasks, training and overseeing the daily activities of graphic artists, but is not a supervisor.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Minimum two years of experience in graphic design, production design or similar professional work experience.
• Minimum two years of experience leading a project team or managing staff.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's donor relationship management system, Microsoft Windows computer environment and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Competencies

• Act with integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and tact.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
• Self-motivated and take initiative.

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in-office presence.
• Standard office environment.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)