Under the general supervision of the Head of Communications & Engagement, the Communications Designer develops engaging and effective content that targets the UConn Library's diverse user, donor, and stakeholder populations. This position works independently across several media formats, requiring an advanced technical knowledge of various media specialties, e.g., graphic design, website design, photography, social media, audio/video production, writing, etc. The Communications Designer is expected to leverage the power of thoughtful and coordinated communications design in both traditional and modern methods to promote Library services and initiatives, attract current and potential donors, and create and maintain a holistic brand standard for the Library.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Recommends, designs, creates, and edits all graphic and visual assets for the UConn Library in both digital and analog formats. Actively collaborates with UConn Library staff to create and edit marketing materials and educational resources across all formats.
2. Utilizes a strong knowledge and understanding of the user experience to inform web design. Recommends areas for improvement and takes initiative to forward new concepts. Serves as the content manager for the UConn Library website.
3. Works with the Head of Communications & Engagement to develop and maintain a strategic marketing plan for the UConn Library.
4. Actively manages the identity and branding of the UConn Library. Serves as a consultant and resource to the UConn Library staff in all areas of identity management and branding and coordinates the UConn Library's digital and print presence to ensure a consistent look and feel.
5. Serves as supervisor for student staff.
   • Hires, schedules, trains, and supervises student employees.
   • Determines work assignments and provides feedback to each student employee.
   • Approves student timecards and resolves time reporting and/or student payroll issues in a timely manner.
   • Ensures student payroll expenditures remain within approved budget.
   • Maintains current student employee personnel records.
   • Adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the UConn Library Student Employee Handbook and the UConn Student Employment Guide.
6. Manages and creates social media content for the UConn Library.
7. Organizes and maintains the UConn Library digital and print asset inventories. Responsible for file management for all forms of print and digital media.
8. Collects, maintains, and reports on user statistics and feedback for all outreach formats.
9. Creates self-service templates for use by UConn Library staff, including formats for publications, presentations, educational resources, and signage.

Shared Expectations for All Staff

1. Participates in Library-wide strategic planning and actively contributes to Area and Unit priorities, initiatives, and/or operations through collaboration and cooperation.
2. Demonstrates reliable and effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Maintains currency and open communication in ongoing trends and developments related to position responsibilities.
4. Acts independently in the performance of everyday tasks and responsibilities.
5. Works effectively in current office applications, software, and communication tools as set by the Library and/or University of Connecticut.
6. Performs duties parallel to position responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in a field related to communications, graphic design, web development, or equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.
2. A minimum of one-year experience in an area of communications, marketing, or design.
3. Demonstrated expertise in graphic design. Ability to independently design, create, edit, and manage visual assets across digital and analog formats.
4. Demonstrated proficiency in writing clear and compelling marketing content for different media and audiences.
5. Demonstrated ability to interact positively and constructively with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Demonstrated proficiency across the Adobe Creative Suite.

PreferredQualifications

1. Master's degree in a field related to communications, graphic design, or web development.
2. Previous professional experience in a library setting.
3. Demonstrated experience with WordPress or equivalent content management system.
4. Demonstrated experience with digital asset management software.
5. Demonstrated experience managing an organization's social media presence across multiple platforms.

Appointment Terms

This is a full time position based in Storrs with an anticipated start date of July 7, 2017. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn and a highly desirable work environment. Salary is dependent upon education, qualifications, and experience.

To Apply

Applications should be submitted online using UConn Jobs at http://www.jobs.uconn.edu and include a cover letter, detailed resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Nominations and inquiries should be sent in confidence to khara.leon@uconn.edu . To ensure full consideration, inquiries and applications should be submitted by April 2, 2017. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search # 2017394)

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on April 2, 2017.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the Universi ty's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.


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