Graphic Design Program Manager

University of Notre Dame; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Graphic Design Program Manager at the University of Notre Dame College of Engineering’s Communications and Marketing team develops and executes creative strategies that strengthen the College’s visual identity and mission. This role creates high-quality visual content and manages design needs across digital and print platforms, partnering with a range of stakeholders to engage diverse audiences.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Marketing, the role balances creative excellence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, communications, or related field.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in graphic design, visual communications, or related field.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Experience designing for digital platforms including websites, email, social media.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Design digital communications and marketing materials within brand standards.
• Develop visual content for websites, newsletters, social media, and print.
• Create visual assets that communicate academic programs, research, people, and priorities.
• Manage content across multiple College websites and adapt visuals as priorities evolve.
• Collaborate on art direction for photography and video projects.
• Lead design for special projects and high-priority campaigns.

Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud

Graphic design

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, communications, or a related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

Job description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world‑class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

The Graphic Design Program Manager is a key member of the University of Notre Dame College of Engineering’s Communications and Marketing team. Working closely with the Director of Communications and Marketing and collaborating with the Senior Writer, Digital Marketing and Communications Strategist, and Multimedia Specialist, this role develops and executes creative strategies that strengthen the College’s visual identity and advance its academic mission and strategic priorities. Reporting to the Director of Communications and Marketing, the Graphic Design Program Manager creates high-quality visual content and manages the College’s graphic design needs across digital and print platforms. The position plays an important role in building awareness, understanding, and engagement with the College among key audiences, including peer academics, prospective graduate students, prospective faculty, prospective undergraduates, engineering alumni, and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a creative and strategic designer who can translate complex academic initiatives and stories into compelling visual communications while managing multiple projects, deadlines, and evolving priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Development

• Design a wide range of primarily digital communications and marketing materials within established University of Notre Dame and College of Engineering brand standards.
• Develop visual content for College and department websites, student recruitment materials, digital advertising and display promotions, social media, presentations, signage, newsletters, invitations, letters, and event promotions.
• Create compelling visual assets that communicate the College’s academic programs, research, people, initiatives, accomplishments, and strategic priorities.
• Ensure all creative work is visually engaging, consistent, accessible, and aligned with established brand standards.

Digital Content & Design Management

• Manage, update, and refresh visual content across the College’s six websites, including the College website and five department websites.
• Collect, resize, optimize, and prepare photography and other visual assets for web stories, e-newsletters, social media, and other digital communications.
• Partner with communications and marketing team members on art direction for photography and video projects.
• Design and format e-newsletters, presentations, invitations, letters, signage, and other communications materials.
• Identify opportunities to improve and modernize the College’s visual communications as its programs, priorities, and audiences evolve.

Strategy & Planning

• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Marketing and other members of the communications and marketing team to develop creative strategies and plans that support the College’s strategic priorities.
• Translate communications objectives and complex academic initiatives into effective visual concepts and creative solutions.
• Contribute to communications strategies supporting new academic programs, faculty and student initiatives, research achievements, major milestones, events, and other College priorities.
• Help ensure visual communications are coordinated across channels and consistently reinforce the College’s identity and messaging.

Special Projects

• Develop creative concepts and design solutions for special projects assigned by the Dean or Director of Communications and Marketing.
• Lead the visual strategy and design execution for special initiatives, including web pages, presentations, signage, campaigns, and other high-priority projects.
• Balance creative quality with project timelines, stakeholder needs, and established brand guidelines.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Experience designing for digital platforms, including websites, email communications, social media, and other digital channels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt effectively to shifting priorities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across a complex organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with e-newsletter platforms such as Mailchimp or Emma.
• Experience with content management systems, preferably WordPress.
• Experience working within established institutional or corporate brand standards.
• Experience developing creative for higher education, academic, nonprofit, or similarly mission-driven organizations.
• Experience collaborating with photographers, videographers, writers, marketers, and other creative professionals.

Core Competencies

• Creative excellence: Strong visual design skills and the ability to develop compelling, audience-focused creative.
• Strategic thinking: Ability to connect design decisions to broader communications and organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across departments and disciplines.
• Project management: Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality work.
• Attention to detail: Commitment to accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and brand standards.
• Adaptability: Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities and a diverse range of projects.
• Communication: Ability to understand complex information and translate it into clear, engaging visual communications.

Additional Information

Annual Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Application Deadline:

October 2, 2026

Documents Required for full Consideration:

Resume, Cover Letter and Three Graphic Design Samples

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.