Associate Director, Design

Miami University's Division of University Advancement (UA) has an opening for a versatile, multi-faceted designer to create high-impact, meaningful brand experiences that resonate emotionally with alumni/donors. This senior-level design position leads development of visual design and branded concepts for University Advancement, working closely with writers and other content creators to bring the Miami experience to life in a way that inspires alumni/donor engagement and giving. This position reports to the assistant vice-president for UA marketing communications.

 

University Advancement is the fundraising and alumni relations division for the university, and our in-house marcom team helps engage Miami's alumni/donors through a variety of in-person events and virtual experiences, digital and social media channels, content creation, publications and promotional marketing materials.  It’s a fast-paced, highly collaborative work environment in a quintessential college campus setting in Oxford, Ohio.

 

In alignment with Miami University’s statement on Diversity and Inclusion, University Advancement is committed to and fully embraces the philosophy and belief that a diverse community is among an institution's greatest strengths. We recognize that every Miamian has a unique story and unfortunately many are marked with challenges and pain based on one or more of their identities. We thus acknowledge the painful and difficult experiences at Miami past and present. We are committed to recognizing and celebrating all Miamians. We aspire to connect Miami with our diverse constituencies and create pathways for current and future Miamians of all backgrounds. We choose to honor Miami University’s holistic approach to and definition of diversity as our guide. This statement is only a part of Advancement’s efforts.

 

The Division of University Advancement is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all people feel safe, valued, and respected. To view our full statement including our specific commitments, please visit our website: miamialum.org/DEI_statement.

 

Responsibilities include:

  • With strategic direction from the AVP, works with the Brand Experience team to create high-impact engaging marketing communications touchpoints that include fundraising campaign marketing materials for donor cultivation and other print collateral, video and multimedia graphics, executive communications, event branding and displays, publications and direct mail. 
  • Works with the director, digital services and the Digital Engagement team to provide user experience and design consultation/direction for UA digital channels
  • Continually updates and freshens website and email templates based on constituent needs and overall trends
  • Creates original artwork, as needed, for University Advancement publications and digital platforms, while working within the division and university brand frameworks and guidelines.
  • Adheres to a fast-paced, multi-client production schedule to ensure timely delivery of creative for client deadlines.
  • Works with outside vendors to complete University Advancement projects, including printing and mailing vendors, marketing and graphic design vendors, website vendors, and freelance artists.
  • Art directs photography and video production shoots as needed, working with outside production resources.
  • Provides creative direction, in collaboration with the AVP, on divisional print and multimedia projects in the area of alumni relations, development and stewardship and donor relations.
  • Provides day to day project oversight for all graphic projects.
  • May manage graphic designers, student interns and freelancers.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or five years of graphic design experience.
  • Expertise in Adobe Creative Suites (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
  • Strong typography, layout design, and production skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree in graphic design, visual communications, advertising, interactive media or related fields.
  • Professional experience as an in-house graphic designer for ad agency, marketing firm, or printer.
  • Understanding of HTML, WordPress and motion picture graphics; proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint.

 

Special instruction to applicants:

Provide an online portfolio of samples indicated above.

 

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560.

 

As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at (513) 529-2223.