00001545 - Graphic Designer

As part of the graphics team, this position creates high-impact materials to tell Grand Rapids Community College’s story while continually keeping the mission, vision, values and ends in mind. This position will provide exceptional customer service and create solutions to support campus client needs through strong communication skills, collaboration, creativity, dedication and use of technology.

Requisition ID:
Position Number: 00001545
Employee Group:  Professional, Management and Administration
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation:
Benefits: Full-time Part-time Limited Benefits
Reports to:
Posting Opens:
Posting Closes: 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Demonstrating strong conceptual, typographic, design and creative problem-solving skills

  • Use the design thinking process, including analyzing and organizing information and materials to design effective communication tools

  • Strong production skills and knowledge of the printing processes

  • Knowledge of papers, inks, and creating paper dummies

  • Experience designing for the web and knowledge of website usability and emerging web technologies

  • Write and/or review specifications and request quotes for projects

  • Knowledge of postal regulations and mailing requirements

  • Work effectively as part of a creative team

  • Interview campus clients, asses their needs, propose options, and provide excellent customer service to all college departments

  • Collaborate with customers to make decisions relative to job planning, timelines, and showing the benefits and shortcomings as they relate to desired results

  • Prepare and send proofs for campus client review

  • Utilize above average organizational skills to coordinate and manage multiple projects with tight deadlines, simultaneously, and to assure deadlines and expectations are met

  • Evaluate appropriateness of content based on audience and use

  • Proficiency and accountability in proofreading for accuracy and quality, and use of AP style

  • Provide status updates on projects, discussing problems and possible solutions

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement in services, technology, and operation of the department

  • Collaborate with campus stakeholders to continually maintain GRCC’s brand identity for support services, programs, events and college promotion

  • Support communications department leadership in developing and refining GRCC's brand identity

  • Stay aware of the latest design technologies and continually experiment with how to apply them to projects

  • Participate in workshops, seminars, and professional organizations

  • Meet with campus clients and supervisor to plan and discuss projects

  • Work with internal and external printers on design and printing issues

  • Regular attendance during normally scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position

  • Perform other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

  • Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field required

  • National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) preferred, but not required

Work Experience

  • Three (3) years relevant experience in graphic design with a strong digital portfolio required. Five (5) years of experience or higher preferred

  • Have successful work experience in graphic design with high proficiency in using current technology such as Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Google Drive, and the Microsoft Office Suite

  • Knowledge of digital asset management platforms, prepress, and printing management software

Skills

  • Experience working within established brand standards

  • Ability to create accessible and interactive PDF documents

  • Experience with photography

  • Fluency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat on a Mac

  • Ability to use Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, MicroSoft Excel, Gsuite and email

  • Ability to use equipment such as telephones, printer, scanner, copier and photo equipment

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work well with a diverse groups including team members, customers and vendors

  • Above average organizational skills

  • Excellent proofreading skills for accuracy and quality and knowledge of AP style

Physical Demands

  • This position requires long periods of sitting, reading and writing, in addition to collaborations with external and internal constituents that require adept listening and speaking skills

  • Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds

Mental Demands

  • Ability to adapt and work in a fast paced, team-based, collaborative environment

  • Customer service-oriented, with the ability to relate well to a diverse array of campus clients, including faculty, staff and students

  • Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines

  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects at one time

  • Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities

  • Willingness to learn new skills by practicing quality improvement

  • High level of creativity, energy, enthusiasm and motivation

  • Must possess initiative and be able to work independently, making decisions as necessary

  • Ability to use good judgment when handling confidential, or sensitive, college material

Working Conditions

  • GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website

  • The work environment is fast-paced and team-oriented

  • This position requires the individual to transition smoothly between independent and collaborative efforts

  • Occasional night and weekend work may be necessary to accomplish objectives

  • Some travel is required to participate in conferences and professional organizations

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