Creative Design Specialist

University of Georgia

Athens, GA

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Adobe Creative Suite, Advertising, Alumni Relations, Background Investigation, Brand Marketing (Branding), Calendar Management, Campaigns, Communication Skills, Computer Workstations, Consulting, Content Development, Creative Brief, Creative Design, Cross-Functional, Detail Oriented, Donor Relations, Establish Priorities, Film, Financial Management, Financial Support, Fundraising, Graphic Design, Higher Education, Identity Data Management, Image Manipulation, Industry Standards, Industry/Trade Analysis, Interpersonal Skills, Lift/Move 20 Pounds, LinkedIn, Marketing, Marketing Communications, Marketing Communications Strategy, Multitasking, Ofcom, Organizational Skills, Physical Demands, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Printers, Printing, Problem Solving Skills, Product Merchandising, Project Development, Project Execution, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Proofreading, Publications, Quality Control, Retirement Plan, Retouching, Safety/Work Safety, Social Media, Software Design, Talent Management, Team Player, Time Management, Trademarks, Twitter, Typography, Vendor/Supplier Selection, Web Design, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Athens, GA

POSTED

4 days ago

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number

S14966P

Working Title

Creative Design Specialist

Department

DAR-Communications

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (. The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

Division of Development and Alumni Relations

The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.

Development and Alumni Relations' Office of Communications

We serve as an in-house marketing agency for the Development & Alumni Relations division (DAR) at the University of Georgia. Twice a year, we plan. The rest of the time, we design mailers, build websites, write, film, photograph, tweet, and a lot more. Collaboration is how we do our best work. White-boarding and idea-bouncing get us going. Data and analytics teach us how to do better next time. We love to learn from one another. We often partner with the Marketing & Communications division and build templates and tools to help all schools, colleges, and units with development and alumni relations. We streamline. And dot-connect. And always do our best to consider our audiences' perspectives. We are always searching for new ways - more creative ways - to reach our alumni and donors. To help our division achieve its mission and help every DAR unit achieve its goals.

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

8:00am-5:00pm; Must be willing and able to work evenings or weekends as necessary

Advertised Salary

$50,094+ Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Posting Date

04/06/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

06/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.
Only applicants who include a link to their online portfolio will be considered. If a link is not available, a PDF portfolio may be submitted in its place.

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Graphic Designer I

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.000

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

At least 2 years of full-time professional experience in graphic design, preferably in a relevant industry or agency setting.
A strong and diverse portfolio showcasing proficiency in branding, print design, digital design, typography, text hierarchy, and other relevant design work.
Demonstrated experience working in the core Adobe Creative Suite design software.
Experience in working with print vendors.
Experience working with brand guidelines.

Position Summary

This position reports to the Creative Director and contributes to the visual identity for all of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). The role works closely with other Creative Design Specialists within the Development and Alumni Relations Communications department (DARCOMM).

This position provides graphic design for clients and units within DAR. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, consulting with clients and developing and implementing designs through multiple communication mediums (e.g., web, social media platforms, digital advertising, signage, promotional marks, promotional merchandise, and print products such as mailers, invitations, and magazines). Responsibilities also include assisting in the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies within the division.

This position ensures all design work complies with the visual identity and branding of the University of Georgia and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. This includes working with other Creative Design Specialists and the Creative Director to set rules for the use of branding elements, ensuring a cohesive brand presence across everything produced in the division. In addition, this position helps brainstorm new communication strategies and tactics to make the work of DAR more effective.

This position is critical in helping DAR create and implement a consistent, branded communication plan, helping to ensure that alumni and donors recognize UGA communication instantly, making our communication more effective.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Self-starter and can work independently as well as in a team environment
Demonstrates initiative and accountability throughout all stages of project development and delivery
Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Ability to collaborate with others and enlist buy-in from different groups
Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding service
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and other design software as applicable
Solid understanding of design principles, including layout, color theory, typography, text hierarchy, and composition
Experience with image/photo editing and retouching
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with clients and team members
Creative problem-solving abilities, with a track record of providing innovative design solutions
Adaptability to new design trends, technologies, and industry changes
Professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-caliber work is essential
Ability to be consistently receptive to feedback or edits and to maintain a solution-focused approach
Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia
Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct

Additional Division Expectations:

Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting is expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.

Physical Demands

Some after-hours work and/or traveling may be required
Work in a standard office environment
Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
Work using electronic communications, telephone, face-to-face discussions, and paper form correspondence
Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
Organize and establish priorities; remember details; multitask
Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Creative Design and Project Execution

Develop and deliver high-quality design solutions for units within the division, working collaboratively with the creative director, communications coordinators, digital strategists, and content writers.
Contribute to design strategy for publications, websites, and social media.
Manage visual identity and use of trademarked university assets, keeping projects in alignment with both individual campaign and university brand guidelines.
Contribute to the creative development of assigned projects in kickoff meetings with relevant units and collaborative brainstorming sessions by developing creative briefs and delivering formal presentations.
Exercise independence in design execution and demonstrate a sense of ownership in assigned projects.
Follow DARCOMM's workflow processes and leverage the project management system to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
Collaborate proactively with the assigned Communications Coordinator to manage project timelines and ensure unit needs are met.
Understand and adhere to deadlines. If a deadline is missed, communicate in advance with the appropriate parties.
Keep interested DARCOMM partners informed about projects on a regular basis.
Provide clear communication to partners within units regarding creative vision and strategy.
Present high-profile design projects to DARCOMM as well as clients, articulating rationale for design.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and support unit goals.

Percentage of time

60

Duties/Responsibilities

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Engage in regularly scheduled DARCOMM staff meetings to discuss updates, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
Collaborate with creative team members on a regular basis to work on division and university-wide projects, including campaign initiatives.
Build relationships with DARCOMM and DAR colleagues to collaborate on projects and develop creative solutions for our division.
For division-wide and special projects, contribute to creative process, including concept meetings, team brainstorming, and presentations.
Contribute to and lead content ideation and development in certain projects.
Collaborate with a student design assistant as needed. This may include assigning projects, providing quality control oversight on their work, providing constructive feedback for growth, and facilitating collaboration with other DARCOMM teammates.

Percentage of time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

Vendor Coordination, Production, & Technical Expertise

Lead production for print and branded merchandise projects, including vendor selection, spec sheet, estimations, proofing, and press checks when necessary.
Stay up to date on print standards, practices, techniques, and industry trends. Meet with print vendors, assess printer capabilities, and visit print facilities as needed to support that goal.
Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and packaging manufacturers to ensure a high standard of quality.

Percentage of time

10

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Development & Alumni Relations' Office of Talent Management

Recruitment Contact Email

dartalent@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* How did you hear about this job opportunity in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)?
- Chronicle of Higher Education
- DAR Careers Page
- Handshake
- Insight Into Academia
- Inside Higher Ed
- LinkedIn
- UGAJobs (UGA's job board)
- Other (Please provide name of source)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume/CV
Cover Letter
Portfolio

Optional Documents

About the Company

University of Georgia

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