Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: University of Cincinnati Foundation

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute high-quality print and digital design solutions to support fundraising and stewardship initiatives.

• Serve as a brand ambassador, ensuring brand consistency across the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF), UC, and UC Health through adherence to brand guidelines and industry best practices.

• Manage the full design lifecycle, from conceptualization and creative execution to print production and digital deployment.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external vendors to deliver compelling visual communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within Strategic Communications, indicating a focus on integrated marketing and communications efforts that support the foundation's fundraising goals. The operations aspect lies in the systematic execution of design projects, vendor management, and brand governance, ensuring efficient and effective visual output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute original design concepts for a wide range of print and digital materials, including fundraising solicitations, custom proposals, direct mail, event collateral, responsive web design, and email campaigns.

• Maintain and enforce brand consistency across all UCF, UC, and UC Health communications by adhering to brand guidelines, industry best practices, and emerging design trends.

• Contribute to campaign planning, brainstorming sessions, and strategic initiatives by translating the UCF mission into compelling and unified visual narratives.

• Collaborate with internal teams to organize and maintain digital and print asset archives, including photos and videos, ensuring efficient retrieval and management.

• Oversee print production processes, including vendor selection, estimating, and quality control, to ensure successful execution of print materials.

• Provide design support for video and photo shoots as needed, contributing to multimedia content creation.

• Manage relationships with external vendors and freelancers, such as photographers and videographers, to secure high-quality creative services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative output and operational project management within a marketing context. The role requires not just design execution but also strategic input into campaigns and meticulous management of production processes and vendor relationships.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design or a related field.

Experience: 1-3 years of relevant design experience, with agency experience being preferred.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a primary focus on InDesign for print layouts, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Strong command of Microsoft Office 365, particularly Word and PowerPoint, within a Mac environment.

• Demonstrated ability to manage estimating and print production processes with vendors.

• Solid understanding of printing processes, including offset and digital printing technologies and best practices.

• Thorough knowledge of print and digital design principles, USPS and direct mail standards, and email/web optimization techniques.

• Excellent client relationship management skills, with the ability to think quickly, respond candidly, and take initiative.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

• Proficiency in problem-solving and time management to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workflow effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere for motion graphics and video editing.

• Familiarity with Really Good Emails for email design best practices.

• Basic copywriting/writing/content development skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 1-3 years, combined with the Bachelor's degree, positions this as an early to mid-career role. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud and print production knowledge is critical for day-to-day execution, while agency experience suggests a need for adaptability and client-facing skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of high-quality print and digital design projects, demonstrating versatility across different media and campaign types.

• Examples of fundraising or stewardship-related materials that illustrate an understanding of donor engagement and communication strategies.

• Case studies or project examples highlighting the design process from concept development to final execution, including problem-solving approaches.

• Demonstration of brand adherence and the ability to maintain a cohesive visual identity across multiple projects. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing print production processes, including vendor communication, estimating, and quality assurance.

• Examples of digital design workflows for web and email, showcasing understanding of optimization techniques and responsive design principles.

• Demonstration of how design projects were integrated into broader campaign planning or strategic initiatives.

• Documentation of how design assets were organized and archived for future use.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the focus on fundraising and stewardship, a portfolio should ideally highlight projects that have demonstrably supported these goals, even if indirectly. The ability to articulate the process behind each piece, especially regarding vendor management and production, will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually.

• This range is based on the anticipated starting salary and considers factors such as scope, candidate experience, education, skills, internal equity, and market data. Benefits:

• Performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Competitive health and wellness benefits.

• Tuition remission for eligible programs.

• Retirement plan with employer match.

• Paid parental leave.

• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays, including a calendar year-end closing period.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a Graphic Designer role with 1-3 years of experience in the Cincinnati area. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering strong support for work-life balance and professional development, which are attractive to operations-minded professionals who value stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Higher Education Fundraising

Company Size: The University of Cincinnati Foundation is likely a significant organization, given its affiliation with a major university. This implies a structured environment with established processes and a substantial number of employees dedicated to advancement and philanthropic support.

Founded: The University of Cincinnati Foundation's founding date is not provided, but its affiliation with the University of Cincinnati (founded in 1819) suggests a long-standing history and established operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer is part of the Strategic Communications team, reporting to the Executive Director, Strategic Communications.

• This structure suggests a collaborative environment where design is integrated with broader communication strategies.

• The team likely works closely with various colleges, units, and UC Health departments to support their specific fundraising needs. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on fundraising and stewardship implies that design decisions are informed by data and aimed at achieving measurable outcomes, such as donor engagement and gift acquisition.

• Brand Governance: A core methodology is maintaining a unified brand across multiple entities (UCF, UC, UC Health), requiring strict adherence to guidelines and best practices.

• Process Optimization: The management of print production and vendor relationships indicates a focus on efficient workflow and cost-effectiveness.

Company Website: https://foundation.uc.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission is to drive philanthropic support for UC and UC Health. This context is crucial for a Graphic Designer, as their work directly contributes to this mission by creating compelling materials that resonate with potential donors and stakeholders. The "everyone belongs" and "nurture new relationships" values suggest an inclusive and relationship-focused internal culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an early to mid-career position, suitable for individuals with foundational design skills and 1-3 years of experience. It offers a solid entry point into marketing and communications operations within a large institutional setting.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Executive Director, Strategic Communications, providing direct exposure to leadership and strategic decision-making within the communications department.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts fundraising success by creating visually persuasive materials that communicate the value proposition of UC and UC Health to potential donors. Effective design enhances brand perception, drives engagement, and supports the foundation's overall mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics (Adobe After Effects) or video editing (Adobe Premiere), which are listed as preferred skills.

• Broader Design Scope: Potential to take on more complex design projects and contribute to higher-level campaign strategy as experience grows.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and expanded responsibilities, progression could lead to Senior Graphic Designer roles or supervisory positions within the communications team.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Working with various university units and UC Health provides exposure to diverse communication needs and strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of specific software like After Effects and Premiere indicates a potential pathway for growth into more specialized or advanced roles within digital media production within the foundation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as having "sedentary work" and not being "substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions," indicating a standard office environment.

Office Location(s): Cincinnati, Ohio (45219). This is a specific location within the city, likely in proximity to the University of Cincinnati campus.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with the designer working within the Strategic Communications team.

• Access to standard office technology and design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office 365) on a Mac platform is provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with colleagues across various university departments and UC Health will be present through project collaboration.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team policies, though the role is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "sedentary work" description aligns with typical office-based graphic design roles. The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for in-person collaboration and engagement with team members and potentially stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their work.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or technical assessment to evaluate proficiency in required software (Adobe Creative Cloud).

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions focusing on collaboration, communication, time management, and experience with print production and vendor relations.

• Cultural Fit: Assessment of alignment with UCF's values, such as inclusivity, courage, excellence, and integrity.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate a portfolio that prominently features print and digital projects relevant to fundraising, stewardship, or institutional communications.

• For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the creative process, challenges overcome, and the outcome or impact.

• Showcase your proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, demonstrating strong layout, typography, and image manipulation skills.

• Include examples that highlight your understanding of print production processes and any digital design work that demonstrates web/email optimization.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to brand consistency and how you've managed design projects from start to finish. Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly, managing your time effectively, and producing a well-reasoned solution that demonstrates your design thinking.

• Be ready to articulate your design choices and justify them based on the project objectives and target audience.

• Practice presenting your work concisely and engagingly, anticipating questions about your process and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both print and digital design, coupled with fundraising context, means portfolio pieces should reflect versatility and an understanding of how design supports institutional goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign (primary for print layouts), Photoshop, Illustrator.

• Microsoft Office 365: Word, PowerPoint.

• Mac Environment: The primary operating system for design work.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, understanding basic web analytics (for web design optimization) and campaign performance metrics (for evaluating design impact) would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as primary requirements for this role, but familiarity with project management or asset management systems could be advantageous. Potential Advanced Tools (Preferred):

• Adobe After Effects

• Adobe Premiere

• Tools for email design optimization (e.g., Really Good Emails)

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office is non-negotiable. Experience with video editing and motion graphics tools would significantly enhance a candidate's profile for this role and future growth opportunities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Belonging & Inclusivity: A commitment to creating an environment where everyone is valued and respected.

• Relationship Nurturing: Focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, donors, and external partners.

• Courage to Dream Big: Encouraging innovative thinking and ambitious goals in support of the foundation's mission.

• Drive Excellence: A commitment to high-quality work, continuous improvement, and achieving outstanding results.

• Uphold Integrity: Maintaining ethical standards and transparency in all operations and communications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with the Executive Director, Strategic Communications, and potentially other members of the communications team, as well as various university units and UC Health departments.

• Vendor Partnership: Building and maintaining effective working relationships with external vendors, including printers, photographers, and videographers.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that likely involves constructive feedback on design work to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a culture of mutual respect, ambitious goals, and a strong ethical foundation, all of which are important for professionals in operations roles who manage processes and relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Brand Consistency Across Entities: Maintaining a unified brand identity across the Foundation, UC, and UC Health, each potentially having distinct sub-brands or communication needs, requires meticulous attention to detail and strong brand governance.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Balancing multiple projects with competing deadlines for various stakeholders in a fundraising context.

• Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with design best practices and technological advancements in both print and digital media to ensure communications remain relevant and impactful.

• Vendor Management: Effectively managing relationships and production schedules with external vendors to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Pursuing certifications or training in Adobe After Effects and Premiere to expand video and motion graphics capabilities.

• Fundraising & Stewardship Best Practices: Gaining a deeper understanding of donor communications and marketing strategies through on-the-job experience and potentially industry-specific workshops.

• Project Management Skills: Developing stronger project management skills through managing multiple design projects and vendor relationships.

• Cross-departmental Collaboration: Enhancing communication and collaboration skills by working with diverse teams across the university and health system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in balancing creative execution with operational rigor, ensuring that design efforts are both aesthetically strong and strategically aligned with fundraising objectives while adhering to strict brand guidelines.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and manage your workflow?" (Focus on time management, prioritization, and operational efficiency).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different communication channels and for different stakeholders?" (Highlight your understanding of brand governance and stakeholder management).

• "Walk us through your process for managing a print production project, from initial estimate to final delivery." (Demonstrate your knowledge of print processes and vendor management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the University of Cincinnati Foundation and our mission to support UC and UC Health?" (Research the foundation's recent achievements, key initiatives, and strategic priorities).

• "How do you align your design work with an organization's overall mission and values?" (Connect your design philosophy to UCF's values of belonging, excellence, and integrity).

• "How do you approach receiving and implementing feedback on your design work?" (Showcase your collaborative spirit and openness to constructive criticism). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 diverse projects that best represent your skills in print and digital design, specifically highlighting any relevant experience in fundraising, education, or non-profit sectors.

• For each project, clearly outline the objective, your specific contributions, the design process, any challenges encountered, and the final outcome or impact.

• Be prepared to discuss your software proficiency and how you utilized specific tools (e.g., InDesign for layout, Photoshop for image editing).

• Emphasize your understanding of print production, USPS/direct mail standards, and web/email optimization where applicable.

• Practice your presentation to be concise, engaging, and within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for not just creative talent but also strong operational skills – the ability to manage projects, vendors, and deadlines effectively while championing the brand.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.ultipro.com.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), print production, digital design, and any relevant work in non-profit or educational sectors. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed print production for X campaigns, resulting in Y% cost savings").

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio showcases a strong selection of print and digital work, with clear explanations of your process, particularly for projects involving fundraising, stewardship, or institutional branding.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with vendor management and print production. Prepare specific examples of how you've ensured brand consistency and met deadlines.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the University of Cincinnati Foundation's mission, recent campaigns, and the University of Cincinnati's strategic goals to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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