Graphic Designer

Transylvania University; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Transylvania University in Lexington, KY, seeks a Graphic Designer to develop brand-aligned visual communications for enrollment marketing and prospective student engagement. You will work closely with the Creative Director and Marketing team to translate campaigns into engaging print and digital assets.

The role covers print production, digital media, and brand asset management, with a hybrid on-campus/remote schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating typography, layout, and brand storytelling.
• Experience with print production, file preparation, and vendor coordination.
• Knowledge of color correction and photo assets for print and digital.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit environments preferred.
• Knowledge of web design principles and accessibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce print and environmental materials.
• Create digital assets for website, social media, email marketing.
• Develop assets for enrollment marketing across the prospective student journey.
• Prepare production-ready files and ensure quality across deliverables.
• Coordinate with printers and production vendors through project lifecyle.
• Collaborate with Creative Director and Marketing team to align with campaigns.
• Stay informed on design trends and production methods.

Skills

Branding & storytelling

Typography & layout

Print & digital design

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

HTML/CSS basics

Job description

Graphic Designer

Reports To: Creative Director
Department: Office of Marketing and Communications

Position Summary

The Graphic Designer develops compelling, brand-aligned visual communications that support Transylvania University’s marketing and communications goals. This position creates print and digital assets for a variety of audiences and initiatives, with a primary focus on full-funnel enrollment marketing and prospective student engagement. Working closely with the Creative Director and other members of the Marketing and Communications team, the Graphic Designer combines creative thinking with hands‑on design execution to effectively communicate the value and distinctive character of Transylvania University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Creative Design & Production

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of print and environmental materials, including, but not limited to, viewbooks, brochures, programs, posters, displays, signage, billboards, cards and other university publications and promotional materials.
• Create digital assets for the university website, social media, email marketing, digital advertising, and other digital platforms.
• Develop creative assets that support enrollment marketing throughout the prospective student journey, translating campaign strategies and messaging into engaging visual communications.
• Prepare production‑ready files and ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency across all creative deliverables.
• Design and support the production of the university’s alumni magazine and other institutional publications.

Brand Management

• Maintain visual consistency across marketing and communications materials and ensure designs reflect Transylvania University’s brand identity and standards.
• Review promotional materials and provide guidance to faculty and staff on the appropriate use of university logos, typography, graphics, and other visual brand elements.
• Help maintain and organize university brand assets, templates, and other design resources.
• Apply brand standards creatively across a variety of audiences, channels, and communications needs.

Print & Vendor Coordination

• Coordinate with commercial printers and production vendors throughout the lifecycle of projects, from requesting proposals and estimates through final printing or installation.
• Develop print specifications, prepare production files, review proofs, and ensure finished materials meet university quality and brand standards.
• Coordinate printing services and provide design and production guidance to university faculty and staff.
• Maintain knowledge of commercial printing methods, production processes, materials, and industry standards.

Collaboration & Project Management

• Collaborate with the Creative Director and colleagues across Marketing and Communications to develop integrated, audience-focused creative that aligns with university priorities and desired outcomes.
• Partner with marketing, communications, photography, video, web, and content colleagues to ensure visual assets work effectively as part of broader campaigns and initiatives.
• Manage multiple design projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and a high standard of creative quality.
• Communicate effectively with campus partners and external vendors throughout the creative and production process.
• Incorporate creative direction and feedback while contributing design expertise and ideas to projects.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed of trends and emerging practices in graphic design, digital media, photography, print production, higher education marketing, and visual communications.
• Maintain current knowledge of design software, tools, technologies, and production processes.
• Explore new creative tools, techniques, and technologies that can improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the university’s creative work.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen Transylvania’s visual storytelling and enhance the effectiveness of marketing and communications initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative range, typography and layout skills, visual storytelling, and the ability to work effectively within an established brand.
• Knowledge of color correction, image retouching, and preparation of photographic assets for print and digital applications.
• Knowledge of commercial printing methods, production processes, file preparation, and industry standards.
• Strong understanding of design principles and best practices for print and digital communications.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, campus partners, and external vendors.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Two or more years of professional graphic design experience in an agency, higher education, or in‑house creative environment preferred.
• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or similarly mission‑driven environments preferred.
• Experience developing creative for integrated marketing campaigns across print and digital channels preferred.
• Knowledge of web design principles, HTML/CSS, and digital accessibility standards preferred.
• Experience with motion graphics, animation, or video editing tools such as Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro preferred.
• Illustration or drawing skills in digital and/or traditional media preferred.

Working Conditions / Other Information

• Standard office environment with possibility for a hybrid work schedule (on-campus and remote).
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support university events, projects, or deadlines.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy, and creative quality.
• Regular interaction with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and external partners requires professionalism, collaboration, and strong interpersonal skills.
• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.