The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking a Creative Content Specialist – Graphic Designer to serve on the multimedia content team responsible for creating innovative, high-impact video content that elevates the visibility, brand and storytelling efforts of Mizzou Athletics. Reporting to the Creative Director, this position conceptualizes, captures, edits and delivers compelling graphics and visual assets across digital, social, advertising, sponsorship, recruiting, marketing and departmental platforms. The position works collaboratively with marketing, communications, fundraising, Mizzou Sports Properties, Every True Tiger and other internal and external partners to develop creative content that authentically connects Mizzou Athletics with its fans, student-athletes, corporate partners and broader audiences. This role requires a highly creative, detail-oriented and adaptable professional who can maintain strong brand standards while remaining at the forefront of emerging design trends, technologies and visual storytelling techniques.
Key Responsibilities
1. Graphic Design and Creative Content Production (40%)
- Conceptualize, design and produce high-quality graphic content supporting Mizzou Athletics marketing initiatives, sponsorship campaigns, departmental storytelling and major events.
- Develop a wide range of visual assets, including social media graphics, digital advertisements, promotional materials, campaign creative, event graphics, recruiting materials and other department communications.
- Create visually compelling designs that effectively communicate the excellence, energy and competitive identity of Mizzou Athletics.
- Manage creative projects from concept development through final delivery, including design, revisions, production and distribution.
- Ensure all creative work consistently reflects Mizzou Athletics' visual identity, brand standards and established design guidelines.
2. Digital Storytelling and Brand Development (25%)
- Develop innovative visual storytelling concepts that showcase the reach, influence and success of Mizzou Athletics, its student-athletes, coaches and programs.
- Create engaging graphics and visual campaigns optimized for social media, digital platforms and other audience-facing channels.
- Collaborate with creative and marketing staff to identify opportunities for timely, engaging and innovative visual storytelling.
- Develop design concepts that strengthen individual sport brands while maintaining consistency with the overall Mizzou Athletics identity.
- Support department-wide priorities, including marketing, fan engagement, fundraising, recruiting and major initiatives through strategic visual communications.
3. Strategic Collaboration and Partnership Content (15%)
- Collaborate closely with the Creative Director, marketing staff, communications team, Mizzou Sports Properties and Every True Tiger to develop cohesive creative strategies and campaigns.
- Create branded and sponsored graphic content that allows corporate partners to authentically connect with Mizzou Athletics audiences.
- Work with student-athletes, coaches and staff to develop creative concepts that effectively highlight programs, individuals and department initiatives.
- Participate in creative planning meetings and contribute design concepts and ideas that advance department-wide marketing and communications strategies.
- Ensure partner and sponsored creative aligns with Mizzou Athletics brand standards and established creative objectives.
4. Digital Design and Content Optimization (10%)
- Design and optimize creative assets for social media, digital advertising, websites, email, mobile platforms and official Mizzou Athletics channels.
- Develop graphics in appropriate formats, dimensions and specifications for various digital platforms.
- Utilize audience engagement and performance insights to help inform future creative strategies and design approaches.
- Organize, maintain and manage digital design files, templates, photography and other creative assets to support efficient production and future use.
- Ensure timely delivery of creative assets to internal departments, external partners and digital platforms.
5. Design Innovation, Technology and Industry Trends (10%)
- Monitor emerging graphic design, digital media, social media and creative technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.
- Explore new design techniques, visual styles, formats and platforms to keep Mizzou Athletics at the forefront of college athletics creative content.
- Evaluate and implement new tools, workflows and technologies that improve creative efficiency, collaboration and design quality.
- Maintain knowledge of current trends in collegiate athletics, sports marketing, graphic design, digital storytelling and audience engagement.
- Contribute to a forward-thinking, collaborative creative culture that supports the continued evolution of Mizzou Athletics' visual identity and multimedia presence.
