Graphic Designer

Description

NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

Office of Marketing & Communications

Graphic Designer

Description of Position

The Graphic Designer supports the University’s visual design efforts by creating engaging, on-brand assets for a variety of marketing and communication platforms. This role focuses on producing visual content that reflects the University’s mission, vision and values. The Graphic Designer works closely with the Creative Team to ensure consistency and alignment across all design projects. This position may provide guidance to student designers and photographers, helping maintain brand standards and the quality of visual assets. Photography skills are a plus and may be utilized as needed. This is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Requirements

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as the University’s graphic designer, creating all print and digital design projects.
• Applies the University's brand guidelines across all creative materials to ensure visual consistency.
• Serves as a member of the Marketing Creative Team.
• Collaborates with the Creative Team to ensure alignment and high-quality execution across all projects.
• Provides guidance to student photographers and designers, aiding in professional growth and maintaining high creative standards.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively and ensure timely delivery of high-quality creative work.
• Produces final artwork for a wide range of deliverables, including digital graphics, print materials, packaging and marketing assets.
• Stays current with design and storytelling trends, tools and technologies to continually enhance the University’s visual identity.
• Captures and edits basic photography as needed to support marketing efforts.
• Assists with photo editing and asset preparation for digital and print use.
• Manages and organizes digital assets using industry-standard tools, ensuring proper storage, archiving and database management.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1+ years of related experience or relevant coursework/internship experience
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills
• Highly motivated self-starter with strong time management and organizational abilities
• Proven ability to take direction, translate concepts into creative results, manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure high-quality final products and maintain organized systems
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom and related applications)
• Strong understanding of visual hierarchy, layout and user experience principles in both print and digital design
• Experience with photography and photo editing is a plus
• Creative problem-solver with the ability to apply critical thinking skills to visual communication challenges
• Commitment to staying current with emerging design tools, technology and best practices in creative storytelling
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Commitment to and understanding of the University’s mission, vision and values

Compensation 

Salary will be determined by the educational background and experience. Personnel receive a generous benefits package including health, vision and dental insurance for employee and family, life and disability insurance, flexible & health spending plan, tuition benefits, annual & sick leave, opportunities for professional development and a retirement program.

Application Process

To be considered for this position, a complete application packet must be received. The completed application packet will include the following:

• Letter of interest
• Application form
• Resume
• Responses to the NNU Christian Mission
• Two reference letters from professional associates
• Letter of reference from current pastor
• Transcripts (unofficial are standard for the hiring process, official will be required upon hire)

Northwest Nazarene University is an Equal Opportunity employer. As an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is permitted, and reserves the right, to prefer employees on the basis of religious preference.