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Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

Graphic Designer

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, Hickory, North Carolina, United States, 28601

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Overview Graphic Designer

Salary: $40,897.00 - $47,713.00 Annually

Description: 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 is responsible for designing and producing a wide range of print and digital graphics and materials including multi-page publications, promotional and informational pieces and high-quality logos/graphics for both 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 as needed and excellent customer service to all stakeholders. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Branding & Marketing Director and the Communications and the Public Relations team, the Graphic Designer helps develop campaign themes and advertising concepts. The role also contributes to maintaining and strengthening the college brand, including creating or refining branding guidelines as needed. In addition, the Graphic Designer collaborates with other college departments and divisions to ensure that all official publications meet established standards and align with branding and graphics guidelines, while providing design and print support for a variety of college needs.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

Maintain design and quality control for all publications that represent the college to all stakeholders and the public

Collaborate with the Executive Director, the Communications and Public Relations team and other internal departments to develop ideas and concepts for new campaigns and/or new marketing materials for a variety of programs, initiatives and other projects

In collaboration with the Communications and Public Relations team, help ensure all department products and projects reflect a consistent brand and follow established 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 both print and digital materials, including digital advertising, billboards, large format banners, vehicle/structure wraps, brochures, posters, cards, invitations, banners, and digital graphics for web and social media

Use Mac platform and design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Quark to create flyers, brochures, posters, cards, invitations, banners, annual and other College reports, and newsletters

Coordinate with the Printer to maintain printing and publicity requests for recruiting, marketing, instruction or other projects as needed

Coordinate with the Printer to plan, organize and implement procedures required to effectively operate the Print Shop and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and efficiency

Work to carry out strategic plan initiatives

Prepare and present reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary to the Executive Director or other college 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 any outsourced products

Oversee selection of equipment, software and processes; oversee contracts and communicate with contracted vendors/company representatives as needed

Coordinate with the Printer to maintain regular inventory of all print/graphics supplies

Attend college events and participate on college committees, professional groups or project teams as needed or assigned

Engage in continuous learning and operation excellence; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in graphic design, printing, promotion, marketing and communications

Promote and support the college’s mission, vision, and values

Perform other tasks as assigned

This position description covers the most essential functions and duties associated with this position. The President or appropriate supervisory personnel may assign additional duties. The College reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title with or without notice.

Qualifications and Working Conditions

Knowledge of:

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 and functions of a high-production print shop

Principles and practices of inventory and cost control

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation and excellent written and oral communication skills

Excellent customer service skills

Accessibility and ADA Compliance standards for digital publications

Ability to:

Operate a variety of publication and graphics equipment including digital printer/copiers, large format printer, paper cutter, booklet maker and other printing equipment

Maintain a detail-oriented approach with a focus on quality assurance for all projects

Work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a large institutional environment

Demonstrate excellent, clear, and concise written and oral communication skills

Prepare and maintain digital files and archives

Understand and follow oral and written directions

Self-start and self-direct to work independently in the absence of supervision

Operate in a multi-task, fast-paced work environment

Handle quick turnaround times and meet deadlines

Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations as needed

Deliver exceptional customer service; respond tactfully and courteously to stakeholders

Learn new technologies and systems and train others as needed

Adapt to changing processes and procedures, especially those involving the use of technology

Read and interpret campus-wide policies and procedures

Prepare clear and concise reports

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with college officials, community groups and the general public

Troubleshoot printer equipment problems, as necessary

Working Conditions

Environmental Conditions: Office and classroom workspace; potential exposure to large equipment, noise from printing and production processes; handling, storage and use of printing materials and chemicals

Physical Conditions: Standing, walking or sitting for extended periods; moderate lifting and carrying; dexterity; extended exposure to computer screens

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

Traveling Conditions: Local travel between Caldwell and Watauga campuses or off-campus sites; limited but possible out-of-state travel for training and conferences

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