Graphic Designer - Strategic Communication and Engagement

Company: Azusa Pacific University
Location: Azusa
Posted on: May 26, 2023

Job Description:

Job Description

APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and to one another.

The Graphic Designer (GD) teams with Strategic Communication and Engagement professionals to execute design solutions for printed publications, web presentation, multimedia, and signage for the university's main campuses as well as off-site centers, all the while providing leadership to the broader visual art/visual communication team. The GD is a consummate team player, recognizing the value of diverse partnerships in realizing creative solutions. The GD's area of focus involves partnering with the art director and leadership team to provide strategic and innovative leadership behind SCE communication and engagement plans, branding initiatives, and marketing campaigns. This team member presents design solutions internally and externally, using sound artistic and strategic rationales.

Required Education

• Bachelor of Arts in related field or area of expertise.
  
  Required Experience
  
  • 3-5 years experience in a fast-paced, deadline driven, visual communications environment.
    
    Primary Duties/Essential Functions
    
    • Partners with the AD to establish both corporate and collateral image standards that advance the mission and purpose of the university.
    • Partners with SCE leadership team to communicate standards to stakeholders campus-wide.
    • Engages in research to explore creative solutions to design challenges that meet or exceed campus partners' expectations and deliver compelling design to our consumers.
    • Works collaboratively with the strategic communication team, developing visual concepts through use of mood boards, mockups, and storytelling to develop strategies that enhance the university image including, but not exclusive to, the university magazine, brochures, flyers, posters, multimedia, email design, and marketing materials.
    • Collaborates with web technology, multimedia, public relations and engagement, and editors to ensure the connection between visual communication on the written and spoken narrative.
    • Works directly with the Brand Manager, Associate Director of Operations, and AD to ensure a timely and efficient production schedule for print, web, and multimedia platforms, while serving as the design expert on projects with campus partners.
    • Works closely with the public relations team to helps sculpt the look and feel of social media projects.
    • Ensures consistent use of the university's logo and seal, and application of such, to the identity system by educating campus partners of the proper logo usage, typography, images, color, and accessibility standards.
    • Manages, supervises, and recruits interns.
    • Works with outside freelancers to plan, coordinate, and engage on things such as photo shoots, illustrations, and multimedia areas as necessary to tell the APU story.
    • Performs other duties as required by the supervisor.
      
      Skills
      
      • Excellent conceptual, verbal, and written skills
      • Effective organizational and time management skills
      • Team player with the ability to juggle multiple tasks
      • Must be approachable and responsive to both internal and external clients
      • Able to influence and resolve issues effectively
      • Strong command of typography, color, composition, and hierarchy, and an understanding of how these elements work together for a design solution across a variety of platforms and mediums and ability to communicate with partners on campus to make these solutions accessible
      • Research competence and interest in tracking the evolution of the design profession
      • Knowledgeable about production processes and optimization techniques related to pre-press and on-press routines
      • Proficient in Macintosh systems
      • Advanced knowledge in the following software programs: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop
      • Working knowledge of the following software programs: Microsoft Power Point, Microsoft Word, Web Design experience preferred
      • Must be able to manage and prioritize workloads for multiple projects while also preparing files for print, social, and digital mediums
      • Must exhibit excellent technical skills, outstanding creativity, a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with a team as they recognize the value of diverse partnerships in realizing creative solutions
        
        Mental Demands
        
        • Highly conceptual with excellent visual communication skills, great with layout, typography, color theory, and graphic design principles. Open to and accepting of change. A very developed sense of humor.
        • Ability to work under pressure, exuding a mature demeanor while multi-tasking in a deadline oriented environment with accuracy and consistency.
        • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
        • Ability to work collaboratively with a team, as well as an independent contributor.
        • Ability to exercise good judgment and discretionary skills in determining when to act independently and when to consult management prior to taking action.
        • Self-starter with a positive attitude.
        • In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.
          
          Physical Demands
          
          • Requires repetitive motions and sitting at computer keyboard. Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
          • Ability to conduct business at other offices on campus.
          • Ability to lift, bend, grasp, reach, lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally.
            
            Visual Demands
            
            • Reading, writing notes, and consistent time spent viewing a computer monitor.
              
              Environment
              
              • Pleasant office setting, comfortable temperature.
                
                Technologies
                
                • Proficient in Macintosh systems.
                • Advanced knowledge in the following software programs: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom.
                • Working knowledge of the following software programs: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Google Apps Suite.
                • Web Design experience preferred, Flash experience and knowledge of HTML, DHTML, CSS, and Javascript a plus.
                  
                  Compensation
                  
                  • Grade 11: $28.53 - $37.09 is the hourly compensation for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.
                    
                    Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.
                    
                    You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/
                    
                    Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.
                    
                    Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Keywords: Azusa Pacific University, Azusa , Graphic Designer - Strategic Communication and Engagement, Design, Graphic Design & CAD , Azusa, California