Graphic Designer

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Graphic Designer provides support for the Director of Communications in the execution of the School’s design program and management of any external design services. The Graphic Designer oversees and/or executes the production of print and digital pieces in a timely fashion and in alignment with School identity guidelines. The incumbent is responsible for generating creative briefs with internal clients, designating and tracking realistic production timelines, executing production design, and communicating with print vendors. The Graphic Designer liaises with external design vendors as needed and designs creative assets for use on all marketing channels, including but not limited to email, social media, media publications, search advertising, and print. The Graphic Designer assists with writing and proofing copy for all designed pieces, including GIFs, posters, newsletters, invitations, and advertisements, and delivers images, logos, or other assets managed by the Communications office to clients as needed. The Graphic Designer manages the Team's digital media library and relationships with media accounts such as Shutterstock.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all in-house production design, including event programs, posters, newsletters, booklets, digital and print invitations, digital and print ads, and more.

• Serves as lead designer and project manager on all design projects with many deliverables throughout the year, such as, but not limited to: Public and private events for the School & Programs, Admissions Advertising, Columbia University Film Festival (CUFF), Visual Arts Thesis Exhibition Catalog, Commencement, and more. Engages student design support as needed.

• Responsible for maintaining the School’s stationery program, overseeing the production of business cards, letterhead, note cards, presentations, labels, and envelopes to clients in a timely manner.

• Attends intake meetings with clients to generate creative briefs and clear deliverables to drive the design process.

• Manages the Design Pipeline; coordinates communications between clients & Communications to prioritize requests, delivers design rounds on time and on budget that meet the client’s needs/expectations. Responsible for gathering raw content and shepherding drafts back and forth with clients throughout this entire process.

• Writes and proofs copy for designed pieces.

• Designs creative assets for share kits to post on social media channels, including gifs, illustrations, and other original content. Liaises with the Communications Assistant, who manages social media, and any advertising vendors on a regular basis.

• Resizes images for the website and other digital presentations.

• Provides assets for screens in all School buildings, collaborating with the Communications Assistant and the Assistant Director of Communications as needed.

• Liaises with print shops both on- and off-campus to get estimates, ensure timely delivery of printed pieces to clients, and review digital and physical proofs or go on press as needed. Communicates with clients to coordinate delivery or pickup.

• Interfaces with external designers hired to produce work on behalf of the School.

• Reviews materials prepared locally to ensure proper branding and use of house style.

• In the event of a School rebranding, acts as lead project manager on the effort, liaising between any external vendors, internal clients and Deans throughout.

• Provides images, logos, and other assets to internal clients and external partners.

• Provides general additional support for the Communications office, including any new initiatives and special projects.

• Other duties as needed.

• Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or its equivalent required. 3-5 years of related experience, including hands-on work with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator also required. Superior customer service and interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong organizational skills required. Must demonstrate timely delivery of projects and excellent proofreading/editing skills. Must be able to work under pressure on concurrent projects and with minimal supervision.

Please include a cover letter and portfolio materials in your application.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.