Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Category: Professional
Job Type: Full-time
Posted On: Tue May 26 2026
Job Description:
Empire State University, Office for Advancement, seeks a full-time Graphic Designer at our Saratoga Springs, NY location. The graphic designer would support the creation of compelling, brand-aligned visual and digital content that enhances alumni engagement, donor communications, and overall Advancement storytelling. This role blends graphic design, basic digital content creation, and production support to elevate the quality and consistency of philanthropic communications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Bring positivity, creativity, and energy to the advancement team, contributing to a collaborative and solutions-oriented environment.
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Translate concepts and ideas into clear, compelling visual design solutions across print and digital formats.
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Design and layout a variety of university publications, including magazines, brochures, posters, fundraising materials, advertising, and signage.
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Execute the production of materials such as direct mail, infographics, emails, social media graphics, postcards, newsletters, banner ads, and other print and digital collateral.
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Assist in the development of web graphics and support the design and layout of web pages.
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Support the creation and editing of short-form video content for social media and digital platforms (e.g., alumni/donor highlights, event recaps, thank-you messages), including basic motion graphics and captioning.
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Adapt static designs into simple motion or video formats to enhance digital storytelling and engagement.
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Collaborate with project managers and team members to move projects through concept, design, and final production - ensuring priorities are clear and deadlines are met.
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Apply and integrate brand standards consistently across all materials; support updates and refinements to evolving brand guidelines.
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Use Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator; familiarity with Premiere Pro or After Effects) to produce and revise layouts, graphics, video, and imagery with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
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Work closely with internal and external production partners, including print vendors, to ensure high-quality output.
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Create and edit PowerPoint presentations that align with the university's visual identity.
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Ensure all deliverables meet accessibility standards, including ADA compliance where applicable.
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Help maintain organized files and assets in alignment with team workflows and project management tools.
Ideal Candidate:
- Strong foundation in graphic design principles (typography, layout, visual hierarchy).
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Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop; familiarity with Premiere Pro or After Effects a plus).
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Demonstrated strength in digital storytelling, social media, and content creation.
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Basic understanding of web and social platforms.
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Detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field from an accredited college or university.
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Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years experience in a similar role.
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Expertise with Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator.
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A strong understanding of typography.
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Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
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Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced environment.
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Portfolio of design work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Working knowledge Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro.
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Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS.
Special Information
- This position is located in Saratoga Springs, NY.
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Online portfolio is required for consideration.
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Occasional travel may be required to fulfill department and university-wide commitments.
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Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
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SUNY Empire provides employees with robust remote and flexible work options to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff in a dispersed work environment.
Additional Information:
Rank/Salary: Staff Assistant, SL2 / $51,500-$53,000, dependent on experience and qualifications.
We are pleased to offer our employees an excellent benefit package which includes NYS health insurance, free dental and vision, competitive retirement options, and generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals; and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. We also offer professional-development activities for professionals and support staff.
SUNY Empire is an AA/EEO/ADA employer. The University actively seeks applications from women, veterans, individuals with a disability, members of underrepresented groups or anyone that would enrich the diversity of the University. SUNY Empire is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction. Employees, students, applicants, or other members of the university community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.
SUNY Empire provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities, veterans, or wounded warriors where appropriate. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (518) 587-2100.
In accordance with the Title II Crime Awareness and Security Act, a copy of our crime statistics is available upon request by calling (518) 587-2100. It can also be viewed online at our Safety and Security website.
