Graphic Design Associate

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship and does not offer a STEM OPT training program. This position is flexible-hybrid. The candidate needs to be able to come in for staff meetings as requested.

The Graphic Design Associate is a part of the University Marketing Communications department, and is an important member of the Creative Services team. The University Marketing Communications department is responsible for raising the profile of the University of Minnesota and promoting University initiatives, education, research and community engagement.  The Creative Services team provides a full range of creative services including design, writing, and multimedia creative and production.
The Graphic Design Associate plays an essential role in supporting and advancing the reputation of the University of Minnesota, by producing design assets that are brand-aligned and visually attention-grabbing. The Graphic Design Associate will join a team of visual storytellers to bring to life engaging and inspiring stories that further the University’s strategic priorities. 
This role is ideal for a professional who thrives in a creative and collaborative team setting, and enjoys creating bold and imaginative multimedia content. The University of Minnesota offers a dynamic environment where your expertise can contribute to advancing the reputation of one of America’s leading research universities.
Please submit a portfolio of design samples along with your application. 
Job Duties

Graphic Design (70%)

• Works with the project team to produce graphic design assets as prescribed by the project needs, including but not limited to: presentation decks, web design elements, documents and handouts.
• Develops and builds design templates that can be used by non-designer communications colleagues.
• Interacts directly with partners, team members, project managers, and Creative Services Director to recommend graphic and visual design concepts for campaigns and projects. 
• Ensures that designs meet all accessibility standards. 

Project Management (10%)

• Follows established University Marketing Communications and Creative Services processes.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail.
• Works with production companies if a project requires outside vendor assistance.

Professional Development (10%)

• Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with handling the responsibilities of the position. 
• Completes continued learning and development appropriate to work duties for the pursuit of individual, unit, and institutional success.
• Stay current on graphic design and visual branding trends, and bring ideas to the team for consideration.

File Management (5%)

• Maintains clean and workable design project files with the ability to pass off a project to team members and partners. 
• Stays current with file archivals, and produces accessible and clean final asset files. 

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Required:

• BA/BS degree in graphic design, art or related field OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop

Preferred:

• Experience with Figma web design program.
• Experience setting up design assets and templates in Canva.
• Experience setting up templates in Google Workspace (Google Docs, Google Slides, etc.)
• Experience with and interest in AI tools in design.
• Ability to stay current on new technologies.
• Strong verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to meet deadlines and provide outstanding customer service.
• Ability to be flexible and able to work as part of a team.

Pay Range: $53,000 - $60,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service 

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Please include the following required application materials:

• Resume
• Portfolio

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).