Rice University - Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer is needed in Houston, United States.

Client: Rice University

Location: Houston, TX

Contract: Full-time, Full-time

Job Description

The Graphic Designer develops and implements creative design strategies for Rice’s Development and Alumni Relations division. Specific duties include designing print communications such as direct mail solicitations, invitations, brochures, and newsletters, as well as digital communications including webpages, emails, social media campaigns, and video graphics. The Graphic Designer also helps develop communication plans and strategies, stays updated on best practices and trends, attends and advises on press checks, and ensures the high quality and visual consistency of marketing materials produced by the Development and Alumni Relations division. The role involves working closely with campus partners, including Rice’s Public Affairs division, to represent and promote Rice University’s brand. This position currently offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring a minimum of two days per week in the office.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree. In lieu of this requirement, additional related experience may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Experience: Two years of related experience, including graphic design for print and web communications. Additional related education may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills Required:

• Demonstrated understanding of graphic design principles and expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign for PC).
• Ability to design and produce quick turnaround print materials.
• Basic proficiency in writing, editing, and proofing with knowledge of grammar and punctuation.
• Ability to understand materials of moderate complexity and synthesize across multiple sources to create diverse materials.
• Firm understanding of web technologies and applications, including social networking, social media tools, and current communication trends.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple deadlines, with excellent time management skills.

Essential Functions

• Designs and produces in-house communications materials.
• Compiles and prepares complex illustrations, photos, and graphics for assignments.
• Maintains the visual quality, consistency, and tone of all print and web material, ensuring fresh content that follows best practices.
• Serves as a catalyst for creative thought, project timeliness, and completion.
• Provides art direction and takes photos for quick-turnaround communication pieces.
• Performs all other assigned duties.

Additional Functions

• Responsible for budget oversight and cost control related to individual print projects.
• Acting as a university representative, the designer must handle spending circumspectly and understand the university’s fundraising efforts.
• Occasionally, work may extend beyond business hours to meet deadlines and attendance at after-hours departmental events may be required.

Preferences

• Experience providing art direction to photographers, videographers, and other vendors.
• Experience in collaborative work and leading creative projects, including pitching concepts to clients/partners.
• Ample experience designing in various web formats, including mobile responsive and parallax websites, social formats, emails, etc.
• Experience with film editing, production, and motion graphics illustration.
• Experience using and working with database information systems.

Skills

• Ability to take high-quality photographs, including individual portraits, studio shots, candid, and event photos.
• Ability to develop and implement creative social media marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of UX/UI and accessibility best practices for web design.
• Ability to use CMS systems to create webpages and knowledge of basic HTML.