• Job Description

  Req#: R0005453

  Attention Current Willamette University Employees: In order to apply for posted positions, please close this window and log into your Workday account and apply through the Career worklet.

  Instructions for Applicants:

  Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process.

  To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments -- listed at the bottom of the page -- must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying for. If there is an application deadline, please ensure that your application is submitted by the deadline. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.

  Position Summary:

  As the Principal Graphic Designer, you will be responsible for overseeing and guiding our design projects, setting the artistic direction, and ensuring that our visual brand identity remains consistent and impactful. Reporting to the Director of Creative Production, you will collaborate closely with the AVP of Institutional Marketing and admissions teams across the university to produce visually stunning and effective designs that resonate with our primary target audiences.
  
  Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  JOB DUTIES

  • Design Leadership: Provide creative direction and lead the design team to deliver high-quality visual assets that align with our brand guidelines and marketing objectives across a wide range of audiences.

  • Branding and Identity: Develop, maintain, and evolve Willamette’s visual brand identity, ensuring consistency across all platforms and materials, and effectively communicating the brand to our audiences.

  • Creative Strategy: Collaborate with marketing and admissions teams to understand project requirements, objectives, and target audience, and create innovative design solutions that effectively communicate the desired message.

  • Graphic Design: Create compelling and visually engaging designs for a wide range of materials, including but not limited to branding and logo design, marketing collateral, billboards, website and other out-of-home, and digital and print advertisements.

  • Art Direction: Guide and mentor junior designers such as freelancers and student employees, providing constructive feedback and encouraging creative growth within the team.

  • Project Management: Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to deadlines while maintaining design excellence.

  • Trend Research: Stay up-to-date with industry trends, design tools, and best practices to bring fresh ideas and innovation to our design processes.

  • Collaboration: Foster a collaborative work environment, liaising with various teams and stakeholders to align design concepts with overall business objectives.

  • Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough reviews of design work to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Interact with stakeholders to understand their needs, provide design recommendations, and present design concepts and ideas confidently.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field OR equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.

  • 10+ years experience as a graphic designer, with a portfolio showcasing a range of successful design projects.

  • Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with experience guiding and inspiring design teams.

  • Expertise in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.).

  • Expert understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition.

  • Exceptional creativity and the ability to think outside the box while adhering to brand guidelines.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey ideas and concepts to team members and stakeholders.

  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.

  • Knowledge of current design trends and a passion for staying updated with emerging technologies and design tools.

  • Ability to reside in Oregon by the first day of employment or otherwise perform work primarily in Oregon

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in creating designs for digital platforms and understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.

  Typical Work Schedule

  Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm with very occasional weeknight and weekend work. This position is eligible for partial remote work pending manager approval so long as the successful candidate can perform work primarily in the state of Oregon. In-person work may be based on the Salem or Portland campus.

  
  Physical Demands & Working Conditions

  Typical office environment sitting at a desk. Occasional need to meet with vendors and team.

  All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.

  You will need to upload the following documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:

  • Cover letter addressing the required/desired qualifications and presenting any other applicant characteristics which deserve emphasis

  • Current Resume

  • Link to portfolio of representative work

  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received until the position is filled.

  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• About the company

  Willamette University is a private university in Salem, Oregon.

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