Senior Graphic Designer (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $72,600 - $90,700.

This position is approved for a hybrid work modality in accordance with department norms.

This position may be required to be available for University events on some evenings and/or weekends.

Posting will close on or after February 3, 2025, once selection decisions are made.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Reporting to the Marketing Director in the Strategic Communications Office, the Senior Graphic Designer, is a key creative leader responsible for developing visually impactful designs that elevate the brand's presence across print and digital media. This role ensures the consistency and integrity of the brand's identity while crafting innovative multimedia content, including motion graphics and visual effects, to engage diverse audiences. The Senior Graphic Designer collaborates on compelling campaign assets, mentors design teams, and leads creative initiatives that align with strategic goals. Additionally, the position involves staying at the forefront of industry trends by researching and integrating new technologies to maintain cutting-edge design capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and Layout Creation: Develop visually appealing and functional designs and layouts for a variety of applications, ensuring an intuitive user experience, strong visual identity, and alignment with client goals. Creative Concept Development: Generate creative ideas and concepts for various projects, ensuring alignment with client goals and brand identity, while bringing fresh, innovative approaches to each design challenge.
2. Multimedia Content Creation: Design and craft engaging multimedia content, including motion graphics and visual effects, to enhance storytelling and audience engagement across digital platforms such as social media, websites, and internal communications. Content Accuracy and Technical Compliance: Ensure the technical accuracy, clarity, and understandability of content, making sure it aligns with design principles, accessibility guidelines, and client expectations. Monitor and ensure compliance with emerging standards and technical requirements.
3. Brand Identity Development: Create and maintain brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all visual assets and communications, reinforcing the brand's identity and message across digital platforms.
4. File Management: Prepare and manage design files for production, ensuring they meet the necessary specifications for both print and digital use, and are easily accessible for future edits or revisions.
5. Client Consultation and Collaboration: Meet with clients to understand their digital communication needs, offering expert recommendations on content and visual materials. Collaborate with marketing teams and stakeholders to ensure project requirements are met and feedback is integrated.
6. Trend Research and Innovation: Stay updated on the latest design trends, technologies, and best practices, including accessibility guidelines, and incorporate these insights into projects to ensure cutting-edge design solutions.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area or equivalent experience and/or training; and/or
• Three (3) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in graphic design work, or an equivalent combination of education/training/experience (required).
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) and video editing software like After Effects and Premiere Pro.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Create visually impactful designs: Develop and produce innovative graphic designs for a variety of media, including print and digital, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and effective communication of key messages.
• Manage and uphold brand identity: Ensure all graphic design and multimedia content consistently reflect and enhance the brand's visual identity, maintaining brand guidelines across all platforms and materials to strengthen brand recognition and integrity.
• Create and manage multimedia content: Craft engaging motion graphics and visual effects for various digital platforms, including social media, websites, and internal communications to enhance storytelling and audience engagement.
• Design compelling campaign graphics: Create visually engaging graphics and assets for marketing campaigns, including digital ads, social media posts, and promotional materials, ensuring they align with campaign objectives and resonate with target audiences.
• Lead design initiatives: Provide creative direction and mentorship to design teams, guiding them in developing innovative solutions, ensuring design quality, and aligning projects with strategic goals and brand standards.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Effective communication skills to understand and convey design concepts.
• Stay updated on design trends and emerging technologies to bring innovative and fresh ideas to the visual content creation process.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.