Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Art or related field plus 2 years professional communications experience, or 6 years combined equivalent education and experience. Non-communications degrees will be considered, but candidates must have at least six years of progressive responsibility in communications.
• Demonstrated experience in graphic, web and multimedia design and implementation using appropriate application software and development tools.
• Mastery of current web technologies and multimedia software (e.g. DreamWeaver, Photoshop, etc.).
• Mastery of current graphic design software (e.g. Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience with XHTML, PHP, CSS, ADA compliance, browser compatibility issues, content management systems and dynamically generated content as well as traditional, static web sites and server-side application software (e.g. Apache, IIS, Drupal.).
• Knowledge of social media and blog template design.
• Experience in developing responsive designed web sites for mobile devices.
• Experience writing or editing of web publications.

Selection Criteria

• Eye for design and familiarity with design and composition principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Commitment to a team-oriented work environment.
• Commitment to the University’s goals that encourage equality and diversity including working effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.

About the Job

Position Overview

The Graphic and Multimedia Designer is an active team member of External Relations in the College of Design. External Relations is composed of alumni relations, development, and internal and external communications and marketing. This position has the responsibility for overall strategic direction of the creation of a variety of graphic materials for print and electronic media. The Graphic and Multimedia Designer supports content providers and graphical artists for College web sites and plays a primary role in ensuring visual continuity of the College website and print media. We are committed to attracting candidates from historically underrepresented groups knowing that diversity enriches the academic experience and provides a knowledge base for innovation.

Responsibilities

Graphic Design (50%)

• Lead and partner with colleagues to create original, high-quality concepts, designs, and layouts for print and web.
• Initiate and consult with internal and external clients to understand communication goals and audience needs, and to convey design concepts and options.
• Create and modify images, graphics, and illustrations; develop and implement graphic identities and marks.
• Coordinate graphic identities and branding across programs, media, and platforms.
• Provide design leadership for College magazines, newsletters, brochures, digital displays, and exhibits.
• Build, prepare, and release files for print production; manage relationships with vendors (e.g., printers).
• Reviews designs of others and ensure consistency with College and University visual identity standards.
• Create and manage design standards and documentation of practices/processes/procedures.

Web and Multimedia Development (50%)

• Analyze specific client needs and design, develop and maintain layout and navigation of College web sites and interactive multimedia for use on web and other mobile platforms; serve as an internal resource for College units and managers.
• Continually research, recommend, and develop/implement emerging web techniques and innovative technologies (such as CSS+Javascript, RSS feeds, social media).
• Collaborate with External Relations communications, design, and Web staff to ensure design and feature integration with web content; ensure compliance with University of Minnesota and College standards and guidelines.
• Partner with Web and Multimedia Manager to understand functionality needs and underlying technical requirements; consider function as well as visual style; communicate the content hierarchy so users can find content quickly.
• Create frameworks for headers, text styles, graphical elements, and widgets that can be reused in various combinations on different page types. Understand how digital items move from prototype to website or e-mail.
• Develop and maintain College best-practices and web standards, including cross-browser compatibilities; style guides; accessibility; to maintain visual continuity throughout the College websites.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position

This is a 100%-time, 12-month, annually renewable, academic professional and administrative position at the level of Principal Graphic and Multimedia Designer (#9785).

About the Department

The College of Design (CDES) is located in one of the major design cities and in one of the largest research universities in the U.S. The College of Design encompasses the full range of design disciplines at the University of Minnesota and is home to eight undergraduate degree programs, nine graduate degree programs, and ten research and outreach centers. The faculty, students and staff in the college seek to advance the quality and value of the natural, designed, and social environments with an emphasis on sustainable, socially responsible, civically engaged, user-sensitive, critical and collaborative design work.

External Relations is composed of alumni relations, development, and internal and external communications and marketing. The Graphic and Multimedia Designer position has the responsibility for overall strategic direction of the creation of a variety of graphic materials for print and electronic media. The Graphic and Multimedia Designer supports content providers and graphical artists for College web sites and plays a primary role in ensuring visual continuity of the College website and print media. We are committed to attracting candidates from historically underrepresented groups knowing that diversity enriches the academic experience and provides a knowledge base for innovation.

How To Apply

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Activities” page and uploading documents there.

Please submit these documents: 1.) cover letter; 2.) resume; and 3.) contact information for three references.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Background Check Information

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.