Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute is hiring: Graphic Designer i

Overview

The Graphic Designer is a member of the Communications and Public Relations Department and plays a key role in creating visual content that supports the college’s mission. This position designs and produces a wide range of print and digital graphics and materials including multi-page publications, promotional and informational pieces, and high-quality logos/graphics for external and internal platforms. The Graphic Designer also manages the college Print Shop, overseeing print requests to ensure timely delivery of promotional, instructional and other materials and providing excellent customer service. The role involves collaborating with the Executive Director, the Branding & Marketing Director, and the Communications and Public Relations team to develop campaign themes and advertising concepts, maintaining and strengthening the college brand, and ensuring official publications meet branding and accessibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain design and quality control for all publications that represent the college to stakeholders and the public.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Communications and Public Relations team, and other internal departments to develop ideas and concepts for campaigns and marketing materials.
• Ensure department products reflect a consistent brand and follow guidelines including copyright laws and ADA compliance.
• Coordinate college printing from concept to binding and distribution.
• Produce customized graphics, including logos, infographics, illustrations, and vector files.
• Create print and digital materials such as digital advertising, billboards, banners, brochures, posters, cards, invitations, and digital graphics for web and social media.
• Use Mac platforms and design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Quark) to create materials for reports and newsletters.
• Coordinate with the Printer to plan printing requests for various college projects and ensure customer satisfaction and efficiency.
• Support printing and publicity needs for recruiting, marketing, instruction, and other projects.
• Help carry out strategic plan initiatives and prepare reports for the Executive Director or other administrators.
• Ensure proper storage and back-up of design files.

Marginal Functions

• Recommend new systems and software to improve production quality.
• Research and recommend quality print vendors for outsourced products.
• Oversee equipment selection, contracts, and vendor communication; coordinate with contracted vendors as needed.
• Maintain regular inventory of print/graphics supplies.
• Attend college events and participate in committees or project teams as needed.
• Engage in continuous learning and process improvement relevant to graphic design, printing, promotion, marketing, and communications.
• Promote and support the college’s mission, vision, and values.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Knowledge Of / Qualifications

• Advanced principles of advertising, marketing, communications and public relations.
• Advanced principles of graphic design and desktop publishing.
• Adobe software suite including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Quark and other graphic design software.
• Printing and finishing operations for a high-production print shop; inventory and cost control.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills; ADA compliance standards for digital publications.

Abilities

• Operate a variety of publication and graphics equipment (digital printers/copiers, large format printers, cutters, binders, etc.).
• Maintain a detail-oriented approach with quality assurance for all projects.
• Work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a large institutional environment.
• Communicate clearly in writing and oral form; prepare and maintain digital files and archives.
• Follow directions, work independently, and handle multi-tasking with quick turnarounds and deadlines.
• Interpret and apply policies; deliver exceptional customer service; adapt to new technologies and processes.
• Build effective working relationships with college officials, community groups, and the public.
• Troubleshoot printer equipment problems as needed.

Environmental, Physical, Scheduling and Travel Conditions

Environmental Conditions: Office and classroom work with close collaboration with others; work around large equipment; noise from running equipment; handle and store chemicals used in printing and production; maintain equipment and supplies to ensure a safe work environment.

Physical Conditions: Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; moderate lifting; manual dexterity; operate equipment; extended exposure to screens; maintain mental capacity and sound judgment.

Scheduling Conditions: Full-time, 12-month position on campus or at an approved location for at least 36 hours per week, typically Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–5:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am–12:00 pm, with potential for occasional evenings or weekends.

Travel: Local travel between campuses and off-campus sites may be needed; limited out-of-state travel for training and conferences.

Experience and Training

• Experience: Three years of full-time, increasingly responsible experience in graphic design, marketing, advertising, and/or project management required. Five years preferred.
• Training: An associate degree in graphics or commercial design or related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.