Graphic Designer

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onboarding assistance

Tuition assistance

Transit ECO Pass

Forbes recognition

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for the Graphic Designer position in the Division of Student Life. The role supports multiple departments by creating high‑quality print and digital design that engages CU Boulder’s community.

You will develop design strategies, manage projects, ensure ADA accessibility and branding, and collaborate with a team of designers and stakeholders. This hybrid role requires three days in person in Boulder, with a $52,000 annual salary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; 1-3 years of design experience across digital, print, and social outlets.
• Experience in a collaborative team environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail, layout, and design skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement multiple campaigns across email, social media, digital, print and web platforms.
• Maintain brand identity and ensure alignment with division campaigns.
• Review and edit all communication pieces at each stage of creation and deployment.
• Ensure accessibility considerations and audience suitability across channels.

Skills

Creative design

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Editing and proofreading

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for the Graphic Designer position! This role supports the Division of Student Life and a variety of Student Life departments by creating high-quality design materials that engage various key audiences and the CU Boulder community. Design creation will cover a wide range of key topics including student life, getting involved, and leadership and development across multiple platforms.

This position will develop and complete design strategies, tactics, and solutions independently and in collaboration with other designers and team members. This includes print and digital designs such as posters, multi-page documents, infographics, digital signage, branded promotional items, and graphics for web and social platforms. Staff in this role should need to be able to think about various audiences, accessibility and inclusivity to ensure that content is appropriate and relevant. Other responsibilities include file organization, project management, working with vendors and the office manager to order materials.

The Graphic Designer ensures that all content is professional, compelling, accurate and audience-appropriate, and follows ADA accessibility and university branding guidelines. This position requires excellent attention to detail, critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and the ability to engage students through creative ideas and design.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Division of Student Life consists of 36 departments that provide student support and services dedicated to helping students become successful, curious, competent individuals during their time at CU Boulder.

At CU Boulder, dining is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Our award-winning dining venues serve fresh, sustainable, and innovative cuisine crafted by a passionate team dedicated to your well‑being.

Every year, we proudly serve over 3 million meals, fueling healthy bodies and minds with options that are as delicious as they are nutritious. From community‑building events to hands‑on food education, we’re here to help Buffs build lifelong habits for a healthier future.

Student Life Communication & Marketing

Student Life Communication and Marketing (SL Comm) is a full-service team that supports the Division of Student Life with strategic communication and marketing needs. Professional staff use their expertise and diverse skills to create materials that engage, educate and promote Student Life departments. SL Comm collaborates with departments to develop and implement communication plans and tactics. The team strives to balance the goals of departments with the needs of our audiences and share communication that's timely and relevant. SL Comm also works closely with campus partners to ensure integrated campus‑wide marketing and communications.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Graphic Design, Communications and Marketing

• Coordinates and implements multiple communication and marketing campaigns through a variety of channels including email, social media, digital, print and web platforms.
• Ensures that all media platforms are fully applied and coordinated with larger division campaigns by working collaboratively with other members of Student Affairs Communication team.
• Creates, designs, reviews and deploys communication tactics for a variety of campaigns.
• Assess communications for effectiveness and engagement.
• Understands the relationship between design, content and user experience and therefore adapts content as needed for each medium and audience.
• Reviews and edits thoroughly all communication pieces at each phase of the creation and deployment process.
• Identifies appropriate uses for visuals in the overarching communication plan.
• Maintains strong brand identity across all communication and marketing materials.
• This position may supervise professional staff and/or student staff.

Communication Liaison

• Works with departments within the Division of Student Affairs and campus partners to develop and implement materials consistent with strategic initiatives and branding.
• Stays abreast of industry developments to maintain the professional competence, knowledge and skills necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities, including changes in regulations, technology and standard processes.

What You Should Know

This is a hybrid work opportunity requiring 3 days a week in the office.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this position is $52,000. Onboarding assistance is available within Student Life division guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well‑being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world‑class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be creative. Be resourceful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• 1-3 years of experience creating designs for diverse outlets (digital, print, social media) and audiences.
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment.

What You Will Need

• Exceptional attention to detail, layout, and design skills
• Experience with editing and proofreading.
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop)
• Ability to handle and develop student employees.

What We Would Like You to Have

• A bachelor's degree in graphic design, fine art, communications, digital media, marketing, advertising, or a closely related field.
• Experience with project management tools.
• Experience working in higher education or student-focused organizations.

October 18, 2026