Graphic Designer Job at American University - Washington, D.C in Washington

Job Description

In support of American University’s fundraising and alumni engagement efforts, University Advancement has built a sophisticated program and the Office of Donor Engagement and Advancement Communications plays a key role in the department’s activities. Donor Engagement and Advancement Communications leads and executes a broad range of fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship activities throughout the donor life cycle. The unit develops strategies to recognize and increase engagement and philanthropic support for American University and to build and nurture the university’s relationship with its alumni, donors, and prospects. This position is a member of the Advancement Communications creative team within the Office of Donor Engagement and Advancement Communications and reports to the Director of Advancement Communications. This position is responsible for developing and leading creative projects for University Advancement. The scope of work entails research, planning, conceptual development, maintaining brand consistency, design, and production of projects across multiple channels (print and digital). Additionally, the incumbent collaborates with colleagues to produce multimedia projects including videos, animations, and Keynote presentations. The position works collaboratively within the Advancement Communications team, across University Advancement (UA), and with University Communications and Marketing (UCM). This position may supervise graphic design student workers.

Essential Functions

Design – Lead design and produce creative solutions and final art for a variety of advancement communications projects based on institutional priorities, project requirements, and budget parameters. Print projects include annual endowment reports, gift proposals, donor impact reports, event collateral (invitation suites, programs, etc.), holiday cards, and other advancement and alumni projects as assigned. Digital projects include deliverables for the alumni and giving webpages and social media accounts. Work closely with the Director of Advancement Communications for creative direction, determining visual identity and brand, concept assessment and critique. Participate in project kick‑off meetings, planning, research, brainstorming, conceptual development, and prepare design concepts for presentations. Support the design and production of high‑quality multimedia deliverables, including videos, animations, and Keynote presentations, utilizing a wide variety of industry‑standard design technology. Contribute to project schedules, creative briefs, and visual storytelling development.

Communication Services and Project Administration – Work with the Assistant Director of Advancement Communications and other partners as appropriate on creative briefs, project requirements, print specifications, logistics, and other creative and business processes. With UA and UCM partners, create new ideas for advancement communications pieces rooted in best practices. With Advancement Communications colleagues, create templates and graphics for UA staff to enable them to easily create their own visual projects. Manage Advancement Communications digital asset tools. Organize and conduct photoshoots to supplement existing university advancement imagery to be used across print and digital projects. The graphic designer may manage freelancers and review and offer feedback on other graphic design projects for the Advancement Communications team or other division colleagues. Monitor industry trends in design, photography, illustration, animation, and marketing. Participate in professional development opportunities. Monitor use of new technology, tools, and creative talent that extend our internal staff capacity. Review portfolios, demos, online seminars, etc.

Other Duties and Administrative Tasks – Other duties and administrative tasks as assigned by the Director of Advancement Communications which may include managing student workers, scheduling rooms, and organizing internal meetings.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position may supervise student workers.

Competencies

• Displaying Creativity
• Prioritizing and Organizing
• Acquiring and Analyzing Information
• Serving Customers
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

Salary Range

$60,000 - $65,000 annually

Required Education and Experience

Preferred Education and Experience

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full‑time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit‑friendly worksite.

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on‑site at the university. Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

American University is an employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

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