Senior Multimedia Artist, Ci3

About the Department
 

Ci3 is a research center at the University of Chicago addressing the social and structural determinants of adolescent sexual and reproductive health. At Ci3, we envision a world in which all youth emerge into adulthood with agency over their bodies and futures. Ci3 houses three labs: the Game Changer Chicago Design Lab, the Transmedia Story Lab, and the Design Thinking Lab. Within these labs, we create games, digital narratives, and design interventions with and for youth. Ci3 is committed to empowering young people, conducting innovative research, and uncovering opportunities for policy and systemic change. Ci3 is intentional in implementing principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and in our collaborations. Our team members, research partners, and the communities we serve reflect a wide range of values, cultures, identities, and backgrounds. The Senior Multimedia Artist will play a critical role in creating interactive communications products and educational games that address social and health issues that relate to young people’s experiences. We are looking for a Senior Multimedia Artist with graphic design, illustration and animation experience to lead character animation concepts and graphic materials in support of Ci3’s Communications and Game teams. Applicants should want to create highly engaged, educational experiences through their knowledge of graphic design, interactivity, layout, typography, color theory and illustration. We are looking for someone who can work with cross disciplinary teams and act as both an artistic and problem solver leader. Additionally, applicants should embody inclusive and diverse practices in their design approach. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.


Job Summary
 

The job provides professional support and solves straightforward problems in a range of design projects. Works within defined processes and procedures to develop design standards and concepts for University advertising and communications materials. Completes a variety of assignments, as needed.

 

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the artistic direction of all Ci3 games and create visually balance and inclusive interfaces that show a grasp of readability, hierarchy, platform and player behavior patterns

  • Establish game style guides and communicate artistic direction with cross-disciplinary teams and game lab director

  • Work with art, game design, and UX design to create a compelling visual experience that meets the goals for player interaction

  • Create assets through each stage of development, driving the development of concepts from early ideation all the way to implementation

  • Use deep knowledge of graphic design, interactivity, layout, typography, color theory, and illustration to create educational and engaged player experience

  • Lead the organization’s creative team and instruct on new style brand style guidelines that follow university and organization standards of practice

  • Oversee Ci3 brand identities which must follow university and organizational guidelines

  • Onboard Ci3 creative team and provide ongoing support as it relates to the Center’s brand style guide 

  • Serve as Ci3’s creative lead and oversee the organization’s creative team and art freelancers, providing ongoing communication and support to ensure brand cohesion on all outgoing, both internal and public-facing communication materials

  • Conceptualizes and creates graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs or illustrations, for various publications, advertising materials and/or customers with limited supervision

  • Coordinates all graphic production scheduling, including preparing final layouts for print

  • Uses on-the-job experience to complete a variety of assignments, such as coordinating production support with outside vendors, as needed

  • Works within processes to ensure that graphic projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the user's satisfaction. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience

  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

 

Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Interactive Design or equivalent degree.

 

Experience:

  • Professional multimedia (illustration, graphic design, film and video) experience across digital and print media

  • Experience contributing to a game, product launch, or brand style guide through the craft of visual design

  • Knowledge of the game development pipeline

  • Experience in a secondary area such as motion graphics, illustration, or animation  

  • Expert knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Canva

  • Knowledge of WordPress and general web design

  • Experience with Mailchimp

  • Experience with Unity

 

Preferred Competencies

  • Commitment to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion

  • Ability to prioritize and communicate effectively to team members

  • Keeping a finger on the pulse of video game and illustration industries

  • Strong problem-solving skills

  • Project Management

  • Leading, collaborating, and supporting work across the organization

 

Working Conditions

  • Office Environment

 

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)

  • Cover Letter ( required)

  • Electronic portfolio (required)

 


When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Effective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.