Graphic Designer (Project Management)

The University of Oklahoma's K20 Center is an educational research and outreach center and is known for innovation. This position will serve its latest K20 Center's GEAR UP for LIFE (LIFE) program awarded in the fall of 2023 which seeks to empower students from underserved communities, providing them with resources, mentorship, and academic support to enhance their readiness for post-secondary education. Join K20's LIFE team and help to foster student success, elevate aspirations, and promote college and career readiness to create a brighter future for the cohort youth.  

Job Summary: The LIFE project is seeking a highly skilled and creative Graphic Designer to join our newly formed team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for performing professional graphic design and illustration services for both print and digital media that will support the K20 GEAR UP for LIFE team of 50+ professionals working with 30 Oklahoma schools and 8000+ students to explore pathways to college and their careers. The Graphic Designer will play a key role in ensuring all of our communications, resources, and supports are graphically engaging. 

Essential Job Duties & Functions 

Professional Graphic Design and Illustration: 

• Execute high-quality graphic design and illustration services tailored for both print and digital media, ensuring a polished and visually appealing outcome. 
• Contribute to the creation of visually compelling materials that meet project objectives, incorporating a keen understanding of design principles and industry standards. 

Desktop Publishing and Visual Communication: 

• Take charge of desktop publishing tasks and graphic design activities for visual communications and web design projects. 
• Apply technical proficiency to produce well-structured and visually engaging layouts, seamlessly adapting designs for both traditional and digital mediums. 

Original Design Formulation: 

• Formulate innovative design responses utilizing appropriate media, materials, tools, technology platforms, and techniques. 
• Employ a variety of ideation and analytical strategies throughout the design process, ensuring the development of unique and effective visual communications. 

Exemplary Design Principles: 

• Integrate exemplary design principles, including composition, balance, hierarchy, harmony, and contrast, to create cohesive and visually impactful designs. 
• Ensure that design solutions not only meet aesthetic standards but also effectively communicate the intended message to the target audience. 

Alignment with Best Practices: 

• Align graphic approach and content with industry best practices and organizational guidelines to maintain a consistent and professional visual identity.
• Stay updated on design trends and industry standards, applying this knowledge to enhance the quality and relevance of design work. 

Effective Composition and Color Theory: 

• Apply effective composition and color theory techniques, taking into consideration focal point, eye path, and value to create designs that captivate and resonate with the audience. 
• Strive for a harmonious balance of visual elements, ensuring a visually pleasing and user-friendly experience. 

Timely Project Completion and Budget Adherence: 

• Manage projects efficiently to ensure timely completion, meeting deadlines without compromising quality. 
• Work within specified budget constraints, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and resourcefulness in achieving project objectives. 

• Examples of work: “Portfolio of work products relevant to the job duties”

Required Education: Bachelor's degree, AND: 

• 12 months of graphic design experience 

Equivalency/Substitution:  Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 60 months of related experience.

Skills:  

• Able to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiatives. 
• Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information. 
• Expertise in selecting and manipulating fonts to enhance design aesthetics and readability. 
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications  
• Knowledge of color theory and its application in design. 
• Knowledge of graphic design principles 
• Understanding of design principles, including composition, balance, harmony, contrast, and hierarchy. 
• Understanding of print processes, specifications, and production techniques. 

Working Conditions 

• Sit for prolonged periods.  
• Ability to engage in repetitive motion.  
• Communicate effectively and listen.  
• Use of a computer.  
• Manual dexterity.
• Standard office environment.  

Departmental Preference

• 36 months of graphic design experience 
• 24 months of professional illustration experience 

Special Requirements:  

• Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.
• Will be required to travel to school sites and national conferences to meet with leaders, community partners, and GEAR UP stakeholders and facilitate research and evaluation activities; this may require overnight trips. 
• Actively participate in K20 Center-sponsored professional learning experiences and, when available, seek certification for learning opportunities. 

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.