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Graphic Designer, Office of Admissions

About the Position

The Admissions Graphic Designer will design, develop and coordinate the production of a wide variety of print and digital graphic projects working under general direction. This position leads design efforts for the Marketing and Communications Team in the Office of Admissions. Their projects have a broad impact on multiple audiences including prospective students, applicants, admitted students, counselors, families, and others involved in the college search and selection process. They also contribute to the design direction of the university as a whole by sharing design best practices for prospective students, particularly 16-22 year old audience, and providing guidance and information on industry trends for this market. This position works with multiple stakeholders around the university and collaborates with and works in conjunction with University Communications in implementing and ensuring compliance with Western’s brand and design standards.


Essential Duties

  • Conceptualizes, designs and oversees production of digital and print products for high visibility and wide distribution—examples include publications, digital and print advertisements, signage, illustrations, animations, infographics and other materials as needed.
  • Consults with managers and staff on graphic design needs for projects, programs and events taking into account budget factors, design efficacy, audience, and scope.
  • Develops original ideas, concepts, and designs that align with design standards and maintain brand consistency while also adhering to the target audience's needs.
  • Develops and explains to department staff the effective use of graphic designs; offers ideas, suggestions and information on techniques, content, and format.
  • Uses typographic best practices, edits photographs and creates illustrations, using a variety of techniques, computer software, and materials. 
  • Provides detailed written instructions to printers for a variety of complex reproduction elements including type specifications, paper stocks, ink, and finishing techniques. 
  • Stays up-to-date with industry developments and tools as well as maintains an awareness of design trends and changing preferences of the 16-22 year old audience in order to help evolve existing materials or brand assets.
  • Ensures adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and project specifications.
  • Works with internal and external vendors to resolve production issues, and reviews and approves final press proofs.
  • Develops and ensures compliance with organization design standards, logo usage and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. 
  • Participates in the university’s graphic design group meetings, ensuring consistency and coordination of design, development and production of media in line with Western’s brand and brand initiatives.


Required Qualifications

  • At least four years of professional graphic design experience, or a bachelor’s degree in design or related field from a regionally-accredited institution
  • Demonstrated experience designing professional print publications and digital assets
  • Proven ability to establish and promote design guidelines, best practices and standards
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent design tools
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse groups at multiple organizational levels
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, requiring significant planning and organization skills
  • Demonstrated ability to meet goals while remaining flexible in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy


Preferred Qualifications

  • At least six years of professional graphic design experience, or a bachelor’s degree in design or related field from a regionally-accredited institution with two years of professional graphic design experience
  • Professional graphic design experience in a higher education environment
  • Demonstrated experience with illustration and animation 
  • Demonstrated experience working within an established brand or design system
  • Knowledge of printing and prepress processes.
  • Experience with universal design concepts
  • Demonstrated experience writing and editing professionally in a marketing, public relations or journalism capacity