Graphic Designer
Title: Graphic Designer
Reports To: Creative Director
Department: Office of Marketing and Communications
Position Summary
The Graphic Designer develops compelling, brand-aligned visual communications that support
Transylvania University’s marketing and communications goals. This position creates print and
digital assets for a variety of audiences and initiatives, with a primary focus on full-funnel
enrollment marketing and prospective student engagement. Working closely with the Creative
Director and other members of the Marketing and Communications team, the Graphic Designer
combines creative thinking with hands-on design execution to effectively communicate the value
and distinctive character of Transylvania University.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Creative Design & Production
- Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of print and environmental materials,
including, but not limited to, viewbooks, brochures, programs, posters, displays, signage,
billboards, cards and other university publications and promotional materials.
- Create digital assets for the university website, social media, email marketing, digital
advertising, and other digital platforms.
- Develop creative assets that support enrollment marketing throughout the prospective
student journey, translating campaign strategies and messaging into engaging visual
communications.
- Prepare production-ready files and ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency across all
creative deliverables.
- Design and support the production of the university’s alumni magazine and other
institutional publications.
Brand Management
- Maintain visual consistency across marketing and communications materials and ensure
designs reflect Transylvania University’s brand identity and standards.
- Review promotional materials and provide guidance to faculty and staff on the
appropriate use of university logos, typography, graphics, and other visual brand
elements.
- Help maintain and organize university brand assets, templates, and other design
resources.
- Apply brand standards creatively across a variety of audiences, channels, and
communications needs.
Print & Vendor Coordination
- Coordinate with commercial printers and production vendors throughout the lifecycle of
projects, from requesting proposals and estimates through final printing or installation.
- Develop print specifications, prepare production files, review proofs, and ensure finished
materials meet university quality and brand standards.
- Coordinate printing services and provide design and production guidance to university
faculty and staff.
- Maintain knowledge of commercial printing methods, production processes, materials,
and industry standards.
Collaboration & Project Management
- Collaborate with the Creative Director and colleagues across Marketing and
Communications to develop integrated, audience-focused creative that aligns with
university priorities and desired outcomes.
- Partner with marketing, communications, photography, video, web, and content
colleagues to ensure visual assets work effectively as part of broader campaigns and
initiatives.
- Manage multiple design projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining
accuracy, attention to detail, and a high standard of creative quality.
- Communicate effectively with campus partners and external vendors throughout the
creative and production process.
- Incorporate creative direction and feedback while contributing design expertise and
ideas to projects.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Stay informed of trends and emerging practices in graphic design, digital media,
photography, print production, higher education marketing, and visual communications.
- Maintain current knowledge of design software, tools, technologies, and production
processes.
- Explore new creative tools, techniques, and technologies that can improve the quality,
efficiency, and effectiveness of the university’s creative work.
- Contribute ideas that strengthen Transylvania’s visual storytelling and enhance the
effectiveness of marketing and communications initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a
related field.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator,
and InDesign.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating creative range, typography and layout skills, visual
storytelling, and the ability to work effectively within an established brand.
- Knowledge of color correction, image retouching, and preparation of photographic
assets for print and digital applications.
- Knowledge of commercial printing methods, production processes, file preparation, and
industry standards.
- Strong understanding of design principles and best practices for print and digital
communications.
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate
effectively with colleagues, campus partners, and external vendors.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and
manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality
work.
- Two or more years of professional graphic design experience in an agency, higher
education, or in-house creative environment preferred.
- Experience working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or similarly
mission-driven environments preferred.
- Experience developing creative for integrated marketing campaigns across print and
digital channels preferred.
- Knowledge of web design principles, HTML/CSS, and digital accessibility standards
preferred.
- Experience with motion graphics, animation, or video editing tools such as Adobe After
Effects and Premiere Pro preferred.
- Illustration or drawing skills in digital and/or traditional media preferred.
Working Conditions / Other Information
- Standard office environment with possibility for a hybrid work schedule (on-campus and
remote).
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support university events,
projects, or deadlines.
- Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to
detail, accuracy, and creative quality.
- Regular interaction with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and external partners requires
professionalism, collaboration, and strong interpersonal skills.
- This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
