Senior Designer

The University of Chicago is seeking an experienced Senior Designer to lead and guide design projects within the Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) team. This role will involve managing in-house and external design talent, developing creative concepts, and ensuring that all design work supports the University's brand and strategic goals. 

Creative Leadership & Design Direction:

• Guide Creative Team: Lead and support in-house designers, photographers, illustrators, and other creative professionals to integrate strong visual design into all materials.
• Conceptual Direction: Research and develop creative direction for ARD engagement campaigns, ensuring designs reflect University priorities and engage audiences effectively.
• Campaign Execution: Lead the visual direction for materials, including brochures, periodicals, event invitations, websites, social media, direct response marketing, and signage.
• Digital & Print Design: Utilize Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) to create and produce printed and digital tools, with expertise in small-scale animations and GIF creation.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with managers, writers, interactive developers, and other departments to ensure strategic alignment and meet department goals.

Team Collaboration

• Delegate & Mentor: Oversee daily workflow, evaluate performance, and mentor junior designers to help them develop professionally and deliver high-quality design work.
• Creative Critiques: Participate in brainstorming and creative critiques, ensuring that the team is meeting creative and strategic goals.
• Positive Work Environment: Contribute to a team atmosphere by resolving conflicts, building consensus, and fostering a culture of collaboration and client satisfaction.

Client & Vendor Relations:

• Client Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with internal clients and departments to ensure that design projects meet their needs and expectations.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with external vendors, including printers, photographers, and illustrators, ensuring high-quality work and cost-effective solutions.
• Archiving & Documentation: Maintain organized archives of all projects, graphic files, photography, and printed samples.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: A degree in a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Experience: 5-7 years of experience in graphic design or production design. At least 2 years of experience leading project teams or managing staff.
• Software Proficiency: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat); familiarity with XD and Premiere Pro is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively in a professional context.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Academic or Nonprofit Design: Familiarity with the unique design challenges of a higher education or nonprofit environment.
• Leadership Experience: Proven ability to lead teams and manage client relationships effectively.
• Technical Skills: Ability to quickly learn the internal systems and tools used by the University, including donor management and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Animation Skills: Experience creating small-scale animations or GIFs for digital content.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid Work Schedule: In-office presence required several days per week with flexible remote options.
• Travel: Occasional travel to campus or non-campus locations for University business.
• Work Hours: Some evening and weekend work may be required.