The Graphic Designer Associate reports to the Director of Alumni Communications. The individual in this position plays a key role in the Northern Illinois University Alumni Association’s (NIUAA) efforts to aid and enhance all communication materials from the NIUAA communications team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work with the Director of Alumni Communications to ensure that all graphic communications are executed, meet strategic needs and contain messaging consistent with NUIAAand NIU brand standards. Create materials varying from print to digital. Must be able to multi-task and work with tight deadlines.  Additionally this position must:

• Support all goals and objectives of the NIU Foundation and NIUAA.
• Work with Director of Alumni Communications to ensure that all graphic communications are executed, meet strategic needs and contain messaging consistent with NIUAA and NIU brand standards.
• Have ability to create materials varying from print to digital.
• Exhibit a keen eye for detail. Produce work that is thoroughly checked and free of errors.
• Must be able to multi-task and work with tight deadlines.
• Be a self-starter with the ability to think independently.
• Have ability to work with wide range of constituents.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications: 

1. Any one or any combination that equals thirty-six (36) months from the categories below:

(a) Credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design

• 60 semester hours equals 12 months
• 90 semester hours equals 24 months
• 120 semester hours or a Bachelor’s Degree equals 36 months

(b) Work experience and/or on-the-job training that provided a knowledge of progressively more advanced, generally accepted principles, theories, practices, and methods used in graphic designs and their applications to visual communications problems that are/is comparable to the training provided in the programs such as graphic/visual arts communication and/or design

2. Twelve (12) months of progressively more responsible work experience and/or training comparable to that performed at the Graphic Designer Assistant level of this series (http://www.sucss.illinois.gov/documents/ClassSpecs/spec1004.pdf)

Preferred Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have achieved a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, computer graphic design, communication, marketing, or a related field.  He or she will have a minimum of two years’ experience in graphic design with a focus on digital communications.  A high level of proficiencyingeneralofficesoftware and experience working with multimedia software, preferably the Adobe Creative Suite, is expected.  The successful candidate will also have outstanding skills in collaboration, customer service, and organization.  A willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends is expected.  

Required Applicant Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. List of References
5. Work Samples ( 3 samples that include one print piece, one graphic piece and one of applicant’s choice)

Please submit application and documents through NIU online employment system at http://employment.niu.edu/postings/35349by July 24, 2018. 

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please contact Jayne Holley at jholley@niu.eduwith questions regarding this position.

EEO Statement and Visa Policy

In accordance with applicable statues and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications and will comply with all applicable federal and state statues, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification  document from upon hire.