New

Creative Design Specialist

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Oct 07, 2025

Posting Details

Posting Number	S14220P
Working Title	Creative Design Specialist
Department	DAR-Communications
About the University of Georgia	Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department	Division of Development and Alumni Relations The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities. Development and Alumni Relations' Office of Communications We serve as an in-house marketing agency for the Development & Alumni Relations division ( DAR) at the University of Georgia. Twice a year, we plan. The rest of the time, we design mailers, build websites, write, film, photograph, tweet, and a lot more. Collaboration is how we do our best work. White-boarding and idea-bouncing get us going. Data and analytics teach us how to do better next time. We love to learn from one another. We often partner with the Marketing & Communications division and build templates and tools to help all schools, colleges, and units with development and alumni relations. We streamline. And dot-connect. And always do our best to consider our audiences' perspectives. We are always searching for new ways - more creative ways - to reach our alumni and donors. To help our division achieve its mission and help every DAR unit achieve its goals.
College/Unit/Department website	https://give.uga.edu/, https://dar.uga.edu/, https://dar.uga.edu/communications/, https://alumni.uga.edu
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS or ORP
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	8:00am-5:00pm; Willing and able to work evenings or weekends as necessary
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Posting Date	10/06/2025
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	12/01/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants	This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.
Location of Vacancy	Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement	The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement	The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title	Graphic Designer I
FLSA	Exempt
FTE	1.000
Minimum Qualifications	Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications	Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, with a minimum of two years' experience in graphic design-preferably within a relevant industry or agency environment A strong and diverse portfolio showcasing proficiency in branding, print design, digital design, typography, text hierarchy, and other relevant design work. Experience working within brand guidelines Demonstrated experience working in the core Adobe Creative Suite design software Experience in working with print vendors Experience with building motion graphics in After Affects a plus Experience with video editing in Premiere Pro a plus Knowledge of CSS, JavaScript, or other web programming a plus Some photography experience is a plus
Position Summary	This position reports to the Creative Director who leads the visual identity for all of Development and Alumni Relations ( DAR) and works closely with other Creative Design Specialists within the Development and Alumni Relations Communications department ( DARCOMM). This position provides graphic design for clients and units within DAR. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, consulting with clients and developing and implementing designs through multiple communication mediums (e.g., web, social media platforms, digital advertising, signage, photography, promotional marks and items, illustration, animation, products, event, and environmental design, print products such as mailers, invitations, and magazines). Responsibilities may also include assisting in the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies within the division and serving as a lead to design staff on larger design projects. This position ensures all design work complies with the visual identity and branding of the University of Georgia and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. This includes working with other Creative Design Specialists and the Creative Director to set rules for the use of branding elements, ensuring a cohesive brand presence across everything produced in the division. In addition, this position helps brainstorm new communication strategies and tactics to make the work of DAR more effective. This position is critical in helping DAR create and implement a consistent, branded communication plan, helping to ensure that alumni and donors recognize UGA communication instantly, making our communication more effective.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Self-starter and can work independently as well as in a team environment Demonstrates initiative and accountability throughout all stages of project development and delivery Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines Ability to collaborate with others and enlist buy-in from different groups Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding service Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and other design software as applicable Solid understanding of design principles, including layout, color theory, typography, text hierarchy, and composition Experience with image/photo editing and retouching Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with clients and team members Creative problem-solving abilities, with a track record of providing innovative design solutions Adaptability to new design trends, technologies, and industry changes Professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-caliber work is essential Ability to be consistently receptive to feedback or edits and to maintain a solution-focused approach Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct Additional Division Expectations: Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment. Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.
Physical Demands	Some after-hours work and/or traveling may be required Work in a standard office environment Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time Work using electronic communications, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
Is driving a responsibility of this position?	No
Is this a Position of Trust?	No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?	No
Does this position require a P-Card?	No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?	No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?	No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)	No
Credit and P-Card policy	Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy	Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Provide graphic design for Division of Alumni and Development Units

Develop and deliver high-quality design solutions for units within the division, working collaboratively with the creative director, communications coordinators, digital strategists, and content writers.
Plan and execute design strategy for publications, websites, and social media.
Manage visual identity of projects and the use of trademarked university assets in alignment with both individual campaign and university brand guidelines.
Lead and actively contribute to the creative development of assigned projects, including kickoff meetings with relevant units, collaborative brainstorming sessions, developing creative briefs, and delivering formal presentations.
Exercise independence in design execution and demonstrate a sense of ownership in assigned projects.
Follow DARCOMM's workflow processes and leverage the project management system to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
Maintain awareness of project timelines and collaborate proactively with the assigned Communications Coordinator on project plans.
Understand and adhere to deadlines. If a deadline will be missed, communicate in advance to appropriate parties.
Keep interested parties informed about projects on a regular basis.
Provide clear communication to partners within units regarding creative vision and strategy.
Present high profile design projects to DARCOMM as well as clients, articulating rationale for design.
Lead production for print projects, including vendor selection, spec sheet, estimations, proofing, and press checks when necessary.
Stay up to date on print standards, practices, techniques, and industry trends. Meet with print vendors, assess printer capabilities, and visit print facilities as needed to support that goal.
Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and packaging manufacturers to ensure quality and consistency in the final output. Ensure designs and deliverables meet a high standard of quality through testing, proofing, and press checks.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and support unit goals.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Collaborate with DARCOMM colleagues

Meet regularly with team to discuss updates, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
Meet with creative team on a regular basis to work on division and university-wide projects including campaign initiatives.
Build relationships with DARCOMM and DAR colleagues to collaborate on projects and jointly recommend creative solutions for our division.
For division-wide and special projects, contribute to creative process including concept meetings, team brainstorming, and presentations. Contribute to and in certain projects lead content ideation and development.
Engage in scheduled DARCOMM staff meetings.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities	Manage student assistant Hire, manage, and coach a design student assistant. Assign projects appropriate to their skill set. Manage tasks in project management system. Quality control all projects before they are submitted to project managers for delivery. Provide constructive feedback for growth and development. Facilitate collaboration between other designers and DARCOMM team.
Percentage of time	10