Creative Design Specialist

Creative Design Specialist

This position reports to the Creative Director and contributes to the visual identity for all of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). The role 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, promotional marks, promotional merchandise, and print products such as mailers, invitations, and magazines). Responsibilities also include assisting in the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies within the division.

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.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications
At least 2 years of full-time professional experience in graphic design, preferably in a relevant industry or agency setting.
A strong and diverse portfolio showcasing proficiency in branding, print design, digital design, typography, text hierarchy, and other relevant design work.
Demonstrated experience working in the core Adobe Creative Suite design software.
Experience in working with print vendors.
Experience working with brand guidelines.

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 is 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, and paper form correspondence
Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
Organize and establish priorities; remember details; multitask
Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Duties/Responsibilities

(60%) Creative Design and Project Execution
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.
Contribute to design strategy for publications, websites, and social media.
Manage visual identity and use of trademarked university assets, keeping projects in alignment with both individual campaign and university brand guidelines.
Contribute to the creative development of assigned projects in kickoff meetings with relevant units and collaborative brainstorming sessions by 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.
Collaborate proactively with the assigned Communications Coordinator to manage project timelines and ensure unit needs are met.
Understand and adhere to deadlines. If a deadline is missed, communicate in advance with the appropriate parties.
Keep interested DARCOMM partners 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.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and support unit goals.

(30%) Cross-Functional Collaboration
Engage in regularly scheduled DARCOMM staff meetings to discuss updates, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
Collaborate with creative team members 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 develop 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 lead content ideation and development in certain projects.
Collaborate with a student design assistant as needed. This may include assigning projects, providing quality control oversight on their work, providing constructive feedback for growth, and facilitating collaboration with other DARCOMM teammates.

(10%) Vendor Coordination, Production, & Technical Expertise
Lead production for print and branded merchandise 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 a high standard of quality.

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 ( 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.

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 ([email protected]).

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

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at