Graphic Designer

Carroll University; Waukesha (WI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Carroll University seeks a skilled Graphic Designer to implement innovative design solutions across print, web and mobile, reflecting brand messaging. You will collaborate with various departments to brainstorm and present ideas and strategies, bringing thoughtful, high-impact design to marketing initiatives.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Graphic Design, 6–8 years' experience, and strong Adobe Creative Suite skills. In-person with some remote work, and occasional events evenings/weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or equivalent.
• 6-8 years of graphic design experience in in-house or agency settings.
• Expert skills in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Copilot, Outlook).
• Portfolio demonstrating editorial design, typography and brand consistency.
• Demonstrated commitment to design, communication and client service.
• Editorial/layout experience in print; strong typography.
• Experience with traditional prepress and production.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams and clients.
• Excellent listening and communication with customer service focus.

Responsibilities

• Translate concepts into cutting-edge visual designs for digital, social, mobile and traditional media reflecting Carroll University's brand and objectives.
• Develop print collateral including magazines, brochures, programs, posters, and direct mail pieces.
• Provide design elements for web pages, ads, e-newsletters, and videos.
• Manage print process: vendor selection, timelines, prepress, quotes and QC.
• Perform preflight and prepress, package files, review proofs and secure approvals.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications team, interns and clients; ensure on time and on budget.
• Mentor Design Interns with feedback and QA.
• Stay current with trends and innovations in design and technology.
• Manage briefs and projects in Monday.com to verify details and timeliness.
• Maintain the corporate style guide and brand identity across departments.
• Participate in meetings to build relationships campus-wide.
• Conduct ongoing research to inform ideas and optimize creative solutions.

Skills

Strong visual sense

Excellent listening and communications

Attention to detail

Collaboration across departments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or equivalent

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft 365

Monday.com

Job description

Description

Location: 1, Waukesha, WI, ATSCount

Job Category: Marketing and Communications, Staff

Employee Type: Administrative Staff

At Carroll University, we are committed to identifying and employing strategies to support our goal to be and remain a socially just organization. Rooted in the Presbyterian (U.S.A.) heritage, we respect all aspects of diversity, embrace the practice of equity, expect inclusion, and embrace belonging throughout our community. Therefore, we seek applicants who can demonstrate their understanding of justice and who can inspire our increasingly diverse student population.

The Graphic Designer implements innovative design solutions that reflect creative, consistent brand messaging across a wide variety of collateral and media. This includes print, web and mobile. This person must have a positive attitude and an ability to collaborate with various departments to brainstorm and present ideas and strategies.

Location: In-person with flexibility to work remotely as needed. Occasional evening/weekend work for events or deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Translate concepts into cutting-edge and effective visual designs for digital, social, mobile and traditional media channels that reflect Carroll University's brand and support communications and marketing objectives.
• Bring a new perspective to the design and development of extensive print collateral, including the magazine, brochures, programs, postcards, direct mail pieces, advertisements, posters and a variety of other projects as assigned.
• Provide design elements for multimedia projects, including web pages, web ads, e-newsletters, videos, F1RST Magazine, etc.
• Manage the print process, including vendor selection, timelines, prepress, quoting and quality control.
• Perform preflight and prepress processes on all print files; package files and send them to printer; review printer proofs and secures proper approvals on all projects.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Graphic Design Intern(s) and internal clients, and assist in the selection of any outsourced creative. Ensure all projects are completed on budget and on time.
• Provide creative guidance and mentorship to Graphic Design Intern(s), including design feedback and quality assurance.
• Continually grow, learn and experiment with new and innovative ways in which to solve client problems, and how to turn those solutions into innovative, dynamic creative executions.
• Manage creative briefs, requests and projects in the MarCom project management system (Monday.com) to verify project details and ensure project timeliness.
• Maintain and update the corporate style guide. Assist in ensuring the Carroll and Carroll athletics brands identity, including logo and logo-mark usage, color palette, templates, etc. across all departments and brand platforms (Marq, Brand 360, Influxer, etc.).
• Actively participate in meetings/presentations with campus constituencies with the goal of building and strengthening relationships.
• Conduct ongoing research to help formulate ideas and drive effective creative, while staying ahead of best practices, trends and new innovations in design, content generation/development and technology.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Graphic Design or equivalent major.
• 6-8 years of graphic design experience incorporating a wide range of design capabilities in an in-house or agency setting (agency experience preferred).
• Strong visual sense with the ability to execute creative concepts to vision using Adobe Creative Suite; expert skills in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Copilot, Outlook).
• Portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual thinking, editorial design, typography and brand consistency across print and digital platforms is required.
• Demonstrated commitment to design, communication and client service.
• Extensive editorial/layout experience in print and strong typography skills.
• Experience in traditional prepress and production.
• Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, ability, socio-economic background or job type.
• Excellent listening and communications skills with a focus on relationship building and customer service.
• Ability to pay strict attention to detail while juggling several complex projects.
• Candidates must be willing and able to support and advance Carroll University's purpose and mission.

Desired Skills

• Solid understanding of web design principles a plus.
• Working knowledge of digital media and interactive design programs a plus.
• Freehand illustration capabilities a plus.
• Experience art directing location and studio photo shoots for creative/graphic design projects a plus.
• Photography skills/experience a plus.
• Knowledge of accessible design principles (ADA, WCAG for digital, inclusive typography) a plus.
• Experience or interest in emerging design technologies (AI assisted tools, automation, motion or rapid prototyping).

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at the Department of Public Safety, at 239 North East Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186

Carroll University makes employment opportunities available to qualified individuals whose skills and experience make them suitable candidates for placement. Candidates must be willing and able to support and advance the University mission.

Carroll University does not discriminate in any manner contrary to law or justice on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran's status in administration of programs or in the employment of faculty and staff.

The employment opportunities list is updated periodically based on openings. Applications will be accepted only for vacancies currently listed. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.