Designer

Designer

Reporting to the Senior Designer and collaborating with campus partners, the Designer is responsible for conceptualizing cross-media campaigns, coordinating strategies for attracting new students and donors, effectively positioning the university, and designing and overseeing production of print and web-based projects aimed at increasing enrollment, supporting fundraising, and boosting the university's local, regional and national visibility.

Serves as independent creative, creative collaborator and production designer:

• Conceptualizes, designs and produces or reproduces publication campaigns and projects related to the university's strategic goals.
• Uses Macintosh-based graphics software to create comprehensive proofs and pre-press ready digital art.
• Collaborates with office and divisional staff as a team member of creative services and as an individual creative.

Envisions and executes communication strategies for on-campus clients:

• Determines project specifications, performs research and ensures information flow/timely progress on projects.
• Completes projects to specifications and within university and departmental policies/procedures.
• Assists in production schedule maintenance by attending meetings.

Envisions and effectively uses photography and video to support the brand image.

• Takes and/or edits photos and video as needed.
• Oversees permanent storage of digital files.
• Ensures computers, operating systems, graphics software, storage systems and associated hardware are current and compatible with the printing industry.
• Stays current on design trends and advanced techniques by reading articles, completing online tutorials and videos, and communicating with other design professionals.
• Provides creative and production assistance as graphic designer/production artist to the Senior Designer.
• Works closely with printers to meet standards of quality and ensure timely delivery.
• Creates a variety of digital graphics for the website and social media.

Minimum and additional requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Design.
• At least two years of experience in design, production and/or graphic arts.
• Proficiency with Macintosh-based graphics software, including Adobe Creative Suite.
• Extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite for printing and web graphics.
• Knowledge of offset sheet-fed and web press printing, digital four-color process printing, and conventional and digital graphics production techniques.
• Working knowledge of marketing and brand management.
• Knowledge of photography and ability to take pictures and shoot video a major plus.
• Working knowledge of digital pre-press and bindery processes.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proven creative abilities and imagination.
• Ability to work independently and successfully manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with production team, university community and vendors.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in digital and freehand illustration, digital photography and videography, PSD, TIF, JPG and raw files, and designing for the web.
• Experience managing digital files and fonts.
• Experience troubleshooting the Macintosh operating system.
• Familiarity with environmental design helpful.

Annual salary/hiring range: $49,675 - $58,441; actual salary depends on qualifications. Employees are not eligible for telecommuting/remote work during their 12-month probationary period. After that time, certain positions may be eligible for telecommuting/remote work at the discretion of the supervisor and in accordance with Winthrop policies.

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.