Graphic Designer

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University Relations team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks a Graphic Designer to create on-brand visual assets for digital and print across university channels. You will adapt concepts, prepare production-ready files, and uphold brand standards while collaborating with campus partners.

Ideal candidates bring strong design skills, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and the ability to work under deadline-driven conditions with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• At least one year of professional graphic design experience with a portfolio.
• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in graphic design or related field) or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; comfortable using Canva and PowerPoint for brand materials.
• Strong understanding of brand systems and applying them across channels.
• Experience producing high‑volume, production‑ready deliverables (marketing collateral, presentations, internal communications).
• Knowledge of print production and file preparation best practices.

Responsibilities

• Create on‑brand visuals for digital and print channels using templates and brand standards.
• Adapt concepts into finished layouts and assist with ideation via mood boards and mockups.
• Prepare production‑ready files for print and digital output with correct formatting and accessibility.
• Support brand refresh efforts by updating templates and branded materials.
• Design and prepare files for environmental graphics and signage with production‑accurate specs.
• Develop reusable design templates in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and PowerPoint.

Skills

Attention to detail

Deadline-driven

Communication

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Creative thinking

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field

Equivalent experience

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Canva

PowerPoint

Drupal CMS

Bynder DAM

Job description

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

• At least one year of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating strong execution and attention to detail across digital and print.
• Bachelor’s degree (preferably 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.

Additional Details

About University Relations: University Relations tells the impressive story of UMass Amherst—faculty, global research, students, alumni, and more. The portfolio includes marketing, communications, media relations, government relations, community relations, event planning, economic development, regional partnerships, and NEPM, the region’s premier public radio station. University Relations harnesses these entities to ensure the University’s message reaches all audiences.

Working Conditions

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

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday‑Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, as defined by the University. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26.