Senior Graphic Designer

U.S. Naval Academy Foundation; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Naval Academy Foundation is looking for a Senior Graphic Designer to spearhead design projects, mentor a creative team, and enhance brand communications. This role requires a strong design background, leadership skills, and an innovative approach to storytelling through visual media. Competitive salary and benefits offered including retirement plans and paid time off.

Benefits

Generous benefits plan including medical, dental, and vision

Retirement plan with employer matching

22 days of accrued paid time off per fiscal year

14 paid holidays per calendar year

Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 8+ years of design experience required.
• Proven leadership in design roles essential.
• Digital portfolio showcasing work must be submitted.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex design projects from concept through delivery.
• Mentor team members and manage vendor relationships.
• Develop and implement design strategies aligned with goals.

Skills

Leadership

Visual Communication

Creativity

Education

Bachelor's degree in graphic design, communications, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Digital asset management software

Job description

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (USNA AA&F) in Annapolis, MD, is seeking a Senior Graphic Designer.

This position is based in historic Annapolis at our current offices located next to the beautiful grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy. In 2023, the staff of the Alumni Association & Foundation moved into the new Fluegel Alumni Center, which was built on the banks of College Creek overlooking the Naval Academy and downtown Annapolis.

ABOUT THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY (USNA) ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and the United States Naval Academy Foundation are two independent, not-for-profit corporations sharing a single president and CEO and operating as a fully integrated organization in support of the Naval Academy and its mission. The organization's focus and core competencies are engagement and philanthropy in pursuit of complementary and closely aligned missions. We connect and support our alumni community and the U.S. Naval Academy so the Brigade and alumni community can lead and serve at their full potential for the good of the nation.

Our important mission requires that we hire and retain the best of the best. To do so, we offer competitive pay, generous benefits, opportunities for career development, and a positive work experience.

This position pays a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and may be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus, when applicable. We offer a generous benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, an FSA, an HSA, a fully vested 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, 22 days of accrued paid time off (PTO) per fiscal year, 14 paid holidays per calendar year, group life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, identity theft protection, tuition reimbursement and annual opportunities for professional development. Although not guaranteed, certain additional benefits may be offered through the Naval Academy, such as use of certain recreational facilities (including the Brigade Sports Complex gym, marina and indoor/outdoor pools), as well as category II eligibility for employee children to apply to the Naval Academy Primary School.

Our Communications Team works to carry out the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy and tell the stories of our alumni. Our alumni are fiercely united as a community and are also richly diverse in their preferences on how to engage with our organization and connect with each other. Our most seasoned alumni were born in the 1920s, and in 2022 we welcomed our first members born in the 21st century. We are digital luddites, digital immigrants and digital natives. When "two or three shall meet, and old tales by retold"-these tales are printed, posted, texted and streamed. Our binding together as a community occurs within the approximately 69,000 personal decisions by every alumnus and alumnae to engage, connect and continue in the legacy of supporting those who come behind. Our communications team takes pride in serving as part of the organization to reach our alumni so that their decisions to bind together are informed and earnest.

The Senior Graphic Designer will lead and execute complex design projects from concept through delivery. This role involves not only creating visually compelling materials but also establishing design standards and strategies to elevate the Alumni Association and Foundation's branding and communication efforts. The Senior Graphic Designer will mentor other designers/team members, manage vendor relationships, and support the Creative Director in strategic planning for visual communications.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Creative Leadership and Strategy
  • Develop and implement design strategies that align with organizational goals.
  • Act as a brand steward, ensuring all visual assets align with established branding guidelines.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to other designers/team members, sharing expertise and supporting their professional development.
• Project Management and Cross-Department Collaboration
  • Take a lead role in high-profile projects and delegate responsibilities effectively to meet deadlines.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to determine project goals, objectives, and budgets, and communicate design insights to support organizational objectives.
  • Facilitate regular check-ins and design reviews with stakeholders to ensure expectations are met.
• Project Lead for Website Redesign
  • Serve as the project lead for the organization's website redesign, overseeing design direction, functionality, and user experience.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external vendors or developers to ensure the website meets organizational objectives and branding standards.
  • Manage the project timeline, budget, and milestones to achieve a successful and timely launch.
• Advanced Design Execution
  • Create advanced marketing and event materials, including reports, invitations, programs, and signage, with a focus on innovation and quality.
  • Lead the design and production of multimedia content for web and social media, leveraging video production and animation skills as needed.
  • Develop visually engaging presentations for executive communications and high-level presentations.
• Digital Asset Management and Vendor Coordination
  • Oversee the organization's digital asset library, ensuring assets are cataloged, tagged, and maintained with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Manage vendor relationships for print and digital production, ensuring budget and timeline adherence, and maintaining quality standards.
• Enhanced Content Development
  • Strategize, create, and curate high-quality content for social media, web, and other digital channels, increasing audience engagement and aligning with marketing goals.
  • Oversee the documentation of project workflows, timelines, and budget allocation within project management software, ensuring alignment with organizational standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of design experience, with a proven track record in leadership or senior design roles within an agency or in-house environment.
• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, communications, or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere).
• Proficiency in video production, animation, and multimedia content creation.
• Proficiency with web design (including HTML and CSS) and familiarity with UX/UI principles.
• Demonstrated experience with digital asset management software (e.g., Canto) and project management software (e.g., Smartsheet).
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Additional Requirements

• A digital portfolio showcasing design projects, with examples of both print and digital work, should be submitted alongside a resume and cover letter.

To Apply: Please go to https://usna.isolvedhire.com/jobs/ and apply through our website.

The USNA Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Veterans encouraged to apply.