Department
ARD Design 2
About the Department
Advancement engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. Advancement raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.
The Advancement Communications team works with Advancement partners to shape and brand communications to engage, steward, and inform alumni, donors, and friends of the University of Chicago. The design team, which supports this group, utilizes communications and design best practices to shape impressions for signature events and other programming that supports Advancement philanthropic goals and strengthens the University’s identity in the world.
Job Summary
This position will support the University brand and strategic goals through the use of graphic design best practices and creative innovation to engage with our audiences. Creative focus will primarily revolve around the application and activation of the campaign brand and its integration with our ongoing marketing and programming communications. Utilizing design and production processes, the Designer works within defined processes and procedures to develop design standards and concepts for University advertising, stewardship, and communications materials.
This role provides professional support and solves straightforward problems in a range of design projects. Works within defined processes and procedures to develop design standards and concepts for University advertising and communications materials. Completes a variety of assignments, as needed.
Responsibilities
- Displays professional skill in the use of the Adobe suite of design software including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat. Familiarity with XD, Premiere Pro or other animation apps ideal. Strong familiarity with Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint will also be required in order to conceive, design and produce printed and digitally based tools such as brochures, periodicals, event graphics, invitations, websites, social media posts, direct response marketing, proposals, presentations, and signage.
- Leads creative efforts in applying and activating the campaign brand across ongoing marketing and programming communications, collaborating with an external brand consulting firm will begin and be created in the 2025 brand development initiative.
- Collaborates cross-functionally with managers, designers, editors, writers, and developers to prioritize workloads and produce high-quality, strategically aligned materials, while also demonstrating the ability to work independently.
- Participates in creative brainstorming sessions and critiques, fostering team collaboration and contributing to the evaluation of overall project success in support of departmental goals.
- Promotes a positive and professional work environment through a commitment to stakeholder satisfaction and effective collaboration.
- Builds and maintains strong working relationships with partners within ARD and other University departments to ensure seamless collaboration and project alignment.
- Sources, negotiates with, and manages external vendors, including printers, photographers, and illustrators, to ensure quality and timely delivery of design materials.
- Organizes and maintains a comprehensive archive of design projects, including digital files, photography, and printed samples for future reference.
- Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance and team creativity. These include attending webinars, seminars, and building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
- Conceptualizes and creates graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs, or illustrations, for various publications, advertising materials and/or customers with limited supervision.
- Coordinates all graphic production scheduling, including preparing final layouts for print.
- Works within processes to ensure that graphic projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the user's satisfaction. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree.
Experience:
- Minimum two years of experience in graphic design, production design or similar professional work.
- Minimum two years of experience leading a project.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's donor relationship management system.
- Microsoft Windows computer environment and the Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Competencies
- Act with integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and tact.
- Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
- Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
- Self-motivated and take initiative.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
- Create small scale animations and animated gifs, highly valued.
Working Conditions
- This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
- Standard office environment.
- Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
- Work evenings and weekends as needed.
- This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Communications
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$62,050.00 - $73,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in theBenefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
