Graphic Designer

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst is seeking a Graphic Designer to support the creation and production of on-brand visual assets for university marketing initiatives. The ideal candidate will collaborate with creative teams and work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment. Strong foundational design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite are required.

This role allows for a hybrid work arrangement and offers a supportive environment for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of professional graphic design experience and a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and comfortable in Canva and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience producing high volume, production-ready deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Create on-brand visual assets for digital and print channels.
• Prepare accurate production-ready files for print and digital output.
• Design and prepare files for environmental graphics and signage.

Skills

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite

Basic familiarity with HTML/CSS

Strong understanding of brand systems

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Canva

PowerPoint

Job description

Title: Graphic Designer

Executive Area: University Relations

College/School/MBU: MarCom

Department: MarCom

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Graphic Designer supports the creation and production of on‑brand visual assets across digital and print platforms for university‑wide marketing and communications initiatives. Reporting to the Creative Director, with day‑to‑day direction from senior designers, this role executes design concepts, adapts templates, and prepares production‑ready files with accuracy and attention to detail. The Graphic Designer collaborates with members of the creative team and campus partners to ensure visual consistency and adherence to university brand standards. The ideal candidate brings strong foundational design skills, an eagerness to learn, solid technical proficiency, and the ability to take direction and work efficiently in a deadline‑driven environment.

Essential Functions

• Create on‑brand visual assets for digital and print channels—including web graphics, email assets, social media content, publications, and marketing materials—using established templates, systems, and brand standards.
• Adapt and refine existing concepts into finished layouts; assist with ideation through mood boards, visual references, mockups, and template variations.
• Prepare accurate production‑ready files for print and digital output, ensuring correct formatting (color profiles, resolution, bleed, accessibility compliance).
• Support brand refresh and evolution efforts by updating visual identity elements, templates, and branded materials as directed.
• Design and prepare files for environmental graphics, signage, and other physical applications with attention to detail and production specifications.
• Develop, update, and maintain reusable design templates in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and PowerPoint to support consistent institutional communication.
• Ensure brand consistency across all deliverables by applying established visual identity standards and cross‑checking for accuracy.
• Execute digital assets for email marketing, social media, and web platforms following accessibility and platform‑specific best practices.
• Perform detailed proofreading and quality checks, reviewing content, formatting, image quality, and layout integrity before final release.
• Organize and maintain design files and assets to ensure efficient retrieval, version control, and cross‑team usability.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and project managers to clarify goals, manage feedback, and meet milestones.
• Track assignments and deadlines using project management tools (e.g., Asana) and communicate progress proactively to senior team members.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2–4 years of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating strong execution and attention to detail across digital and print.
• A bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field, or equivalent experience (including two additional years of professional experience in lieu of a degree).
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); comfortable using Canva and PowerPoint to produce clean, on‑brand, presentation‑ready materials.
• Strong understanding of brand systems and the discipline required to apply them accurately across multiple channels and asset types.
• Demonstrated experience producing high volume, production‑ready deliverables, including marketing collateral, presentations, internal communications, and digital assets.
• Demonstrated knowledge of print production and file preparation best practices, with an eye for quality control and error prevention before handoff.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent requests, prioritize effectively, and deliver polished work on deadline with minimal supervision.
• Clear, professional communicator who can take direction, incorporate feedback efficiently, and collaborate smoothly with marketing, communications, and cross‑functional partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic familiarity with HTML/CSS, with an understanding of how design translates in web and email environments.
• Experience working in content management systems (e.g., Drupal) and digital asset management platforms (e.g., Bynder or similar).
• Working knowledge of email design best practices, including layout, accessibility considerations, and handoff for email marketing platforms.
• Familiarity with motion or animation tools (e.g., After Effects); experience creating simple motion assets is a plus.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday‑Friday 8:30 am‑5 pm. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.