Graphic Design Specialist, Office of Development Communications

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 54,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State’s Office of Development Communications seeks a Graphic Design Specialist to support graphic design and multimedia production across fundraising communications and marketing objectives.

The role collaborates with stakeholders to ensure visual solutions align with institutional messaging, develops presentation materials, and maintains branding standards. A portfolio link is requested with the application.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with 2+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Provide a link to a digital portfolio for review as part of the application.

Responsibilities

• Design, edit, and produce graphic art and multimedia products for print, digital, and promotional purposes.

Skills

Graphic design principles

Visual communication

User-centered design

Interpersonal and communication skills

Self-motivation

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Premiere

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

OneDrive/SharePoint

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State is currently seeking a Graphic Design Specialist in the Office of Development Communications to support both graphic design and multimedia production across a broad range of fundraising communications and marketing objectives at the University. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, you can play an integral role in Penn State’s future and contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country. For full consideration, applicants are asked to attach a cover letter and resume/CV, . Candidates should provide a link to a digital portfolio showcasing strong storytelling, concept execution, and technical craft, for review as part of their application.

As part of a visual communications team within the Office of Development Communications, the Graphic Design Specialist will:

• Design, edit, and produce graphic art, visual communications, and multimedia products for promotional, advertising, educational, and administrative purposes
• Create and manipulate graphic images, illustrations, and photography into integrated multimedia solutions across print and digital platforms
• Design, develop, and update websites, landing pages, and other digital communications that adhere to the latest accessibility and user experience best practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, subject matter experts, content authors, and project teams to ensure visual and multimedia solutions align with institutional objectives, messaging, and mission
• Create proofs, prototypes, mock‑ups, wireframes, and other visual aids to communicate design concepts and support project development
• Participate in the creative direction, planning, production, and quality review of video and audio content
• Design and develop presentation materials, templates, branding assets, and communication tools for promotional, developmental, operational, and administrative purposes
• Maintain consistency with established branding, visual identity, style guides, and communication standards
• Review, revise, and update existing multimedia and graphic products to ensure accuracy, relevance, quality, and effectiveness
• Research and apply emerging design trends, technologies, tools, and best practices to enhance communication and user engagement
• Ensure compliance with accessibility requirements, contractual obligations, copyright requirements, confidentiality and privacy policies, and applicable organizational standards and guidelines

The successful candidate will have:

• Strong knowledge of graphic design principles, visual communication strategies, and user‑centered design
• Understanding of current design technologies to support visual and multimedia products for print, digital, video, web, social media
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, as well as experience with Adobe Premiere
• Understanding of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and excel as well as OneDrive/SharePoint
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
• A proven ability to self‑motivate and work both independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored

DDAR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Associate degree and 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted – If filled as Graphic Design Specialist – Intermediate Professional
• Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted – If filled as Graphic Design Specialist – Advanced Professional

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $86,400.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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Penn State Policies

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.