Position Summary:
This position develops creative materials that support EIU’s advancement communications, including print, digital, web, and publication projects. The position provides creative direction and production support for major publications, prepares materials for print and digital distribution, and collaborates with internal clients to produce accurate, accessible, brand-aligned communications.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop high-quality marketing materials based on internal client objectives, target audiences, brand standards, and project goals.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize workload, and adapt to shifting deadlines while maintaining accuracy, quality, and attention to detail.
- Provide creative direction and production support for major publications, including the alumni magazine, overseeing visual direction, publication layout, pagination, design consistency, image and content placement, and final production for print and digital distribution.
- Create print and web-based materials, including updating publications, website content, posting to social media, and crafting emails, with responsibility for writing and editing marketing content in alignment with the EIU’s branding standards.
- Design marketing collateral that aligns with the EIU’s strategic advancement goals, adheres to brand and accessibility standards, meets postal regulations, adheres to budget constraints, and is completed by established deadlines.
- Prepare files for final distribution, whether that be online publishing sites, social media, video, website posting, or internal or external printers.
- Serve as a collaborative team member, working effectively with colleagues while receiving, interpreting, and applying feedback to improve creative work and meet project objectives.
- Capture, select, edit, and manipulate photography and visual assets for use in publications, marketing materials, websites, and digital communications, as needed.
- Demonstrate professional experience in communications, writing, and the graphic design field, and previous experience in an office environment; knowledgeable with Adobe Creative Suite programs. Experience in creating online promotional pieces and web content management systems. Portfolio required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Any one or any combination that equals thirty-six (36) months from the categories below:
- Credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- 60 semester hours equals 12 months
- 90 semester hours equals 24 months
- 120 semester hours or a Bachelor's Degree equals 36 months
- Work experience and/or on-the-job training that provided knowledge of progressively more advanced, generally accepted principles, theories, practices, and methods used in graphic designs and their applications to visual communications problems that are/is comparable to the training provided in the programs such as graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- AND
- Twelve (12) months of progressively more responsible work experience and/or training comparable to that performed at the Graphic Designer Assistant level of this series
- A Master's Degree in visual design, with emphasis in visual arts communication or a closely related field, meets all minimum acceptable qualifications for the Graphic Designer Associate level of this series.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- knowledge of complex, multi-faceted design techniques
- knowledge of printing techniques
- knowledge of production issues
- knowledge of compilation of cost estimates
- skill in dealing with a variety of persons (such as clients, printers, and lower level staff)
- skill in supervising
- skill in operation of cutting edge technology to provide client with effective products
- skill in solving highly technical design problems
- ability to meet client’s need while also working within budgetary and time constraints
- ability to deal with design problems
- ability to elucidate complex design options and solutions to lower level staff
Starting Salary/Pay Rate Range
Current starting monthly salary for this position is $4,333.00 - $4,583.33
Application Deadline: September 11, 2026
In accordance with Eastern Illinois University policy (IGP #14.1), EIU is generally unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa (e.g., H-1B, OPT, or other) for this Civil Service position.
Required Applicant Documents:
The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.
- Application
- Resume
- References
- Transcripts (where required as a MAQ)
Benefits Overview:
Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.
This position is eligible for the following benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
- Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
- Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
- Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
- Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.
For more information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position class, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/newemployees.php
Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.
The University and Community:
Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois—ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented. The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation—alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.
Important Information for Applicants:
Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217)-581-3463 or [email protected] for assistance.
