Graphic Designer Jobs

Pay Grade/Pay Range: 56 Monthly (exempt): - Minimum - $ 31,003.60 Midpoint - $ 45,302.40

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Job Summary: The Graphic Designer is responsible for planning, scheduling, and implementing complex graphic design projects. Under general direction, produce graphic designs and illustrations using both computer and traditional methods, format, and edit text, prepare layouts/mechanicals and specifications for pre-print publications and other promotional media.

Additional Department Summary: The University of Alabama is seeking an entry-level graphic designer with a passion for distilling complex topics into stylish and sleek graphics. This individual will help the research institutes within the Office of Research and Economic Development, especially the Alabama Water Institute, depict their cutting-edge research in digestible ways and market their initiatives with creativity. As part of the team, you will help to make our science accessible, aiding in addressing some of the most pressing problems facing the world today.
A graphic designer with experience in/a passion for graphic communication is preferred as the applicant will be joining a diverse team of communicators. Having the ability to brainstorm ideas for brand awareness campaigns, marketing initiatives, and communication strategies will aid in your success. A general interest in science would help the selected candidate thrive even more.
A portfolio that displays competence in all areas of design and mechanical preparation for print production. Must be able to design creatively and efficiently using the MacIntosh operating system and appropriate software (including, but not limited to, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe lnDesign, Microsoft Office, and DreamWeaver. Animation skills are a preferred addition.
In addition to outstanding creative and technical talents, the graphic designer must possess excellent organizational skills to handle the volume and variety of projects for which the incumbent is responsible and at the pace at which they must be accomplished. The designer must be able to meet deadlines and follow priorities, and to schedule work on several projects at once to maintain a constant smooth flow of work under their aegis.
The principal challenge of the graphic designer position is to consistently create pleasing, appropriate, and effective graphics through which the Office for Research & Economic Development's various units represent themselves to various publics. To produce, day after day, on constant deadline, fresh and interesting graphics that is consonant with the University's self-image calls for a highly creative and disciplined mentality.
Over the course of a month, the incumbent can expect to prepare various newsletters which share the research work done by UA research institutes, create marketing graphics for social media and campus digital signage, work on printed advertising material, design swag, aide researchers in graphics for research reports, design images for websites, etc.
The designer is required to synthesize new information from a number of sources and to apply It to known circumstances and principles in the production of graphic design in support of the University's various programs.
In addition to the challenge to one's own resources, working with the diverse personalities on the staff, faculty, and in internal and external vendors requires a mature, even-tempered, diplomatic, and flexible person.
Finally, the designer is challenged to maintain high-quality standards in printing when working with low bidding vendors. The designer must have a thorough understanding of printing practice in order to deal knowledgeably with printers who receive the University's contracts.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and some graphic design experience; OR an Associate's degree and two (2) years of graphic design experience. A portfolio that displays competence in all areas of design and publication preparation for print and electronic production is required. Related student or Graduate Assistant, Intern, or student-oriented experience will be considered. To be considered student experience, it must be detailed in the employment section on the application.

Skills and Knowledge: Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe lnDesign is preferred. Animation skills are preferred. Experience with graphic communication and marketing skills are preferred.

Preferred Qualifications: A general interest in science is preferred. Experience in photography and multiple techniques of illustration is strongly preferred.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases.