Graphic Designer II - 530259

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II - 530259

Company: The University of Alabama

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating and implementing moderately-complex graphic design projects to support the Division for Research's visual communication and brand strategy.

• Key responsibilities include designing accessible, audience-centered materials for digital and print channels, translating research information and data into clear visual communications.

• The position requires strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and a solid understanding of design principles like typography, layout, and brand application.

• This role is eligible for hybrid work, offering flexibility for operations professionals balancing on-site and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer II," the responsibilities and context provided by the "Additional Department Summary" clearly indicate a role that supports broader operational communication and brand strategy within a research division. This implies a need for understanding how design contributes to organizational goals, making it relevant to operations professionals seeking to leverage design for enhanced communication and efficiency. The focus on translating complex information into accessible formats aligns with operational communication best practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute graphic design projects for digital and print media, including web graphics, email content, social media posts, publications, presentations, and signage, ensuring adherence to established university brand standards.

• Translate complex research information, data, and institutional impact into clear, compelling visual communications tailored for diverse audiences.

• Create and maintain design templates and visual standards to strengthen the Division for Research's visual identity, improve consistency, and enhance efficiency across recurring communications.

• Produce high-priority visual materials for major research proposals, executive communications, and strategic initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with division leadership, research institutes, and communications colleagues to conceptualize and deliver effective visual solutions that meet a range of objectives.

• Ensure all created visual materials comply with digital accessibility standards.

• Provide guidance and potentially training to entry-level Graphic Designers, fostering a collaborative design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize not just creative output but also strategic application of design to support research communication, brand consistency, and operational efficiency through templating. This strategic aspect is crucial for operations-minded candidates.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field. A Master's degree in a related field is also considered.

Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in art, commercial art, graphic design, or visual communication. Three (3) or more years of experience is preferred, especially within a higher education, research, or science communication setting.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, with a strong emphasis on InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Excellent command of typography, layout, composition, and color theory.

• Demonstrated ability to apply and maintain brand standards effectively.

• Strong visual, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to translate complex information, data, and research concepts into clear, audience-appropriate visual formats.

• Understanding of web design principles and digital accessibility standards.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for higher education, research, or science communication environments.

• Ability to create and manage design templates for efficiency and consistency.

• Familiarity with data visualization techniques.

• Experience with social media content creation and digital marketing collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on translating complex information and adhering to brand standards highlights the operational aspect of design. Proficiency in specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications is a critical technical requirement, common in many GTM and marketing operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong design portfolio demonstrating a range of projects, including digital and print collateral, that showcases an ability to translate complex information into clear visual communications.

• Portfolio pieces should highlight proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite applications (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Examples of work that adhere to brand guidelines and maintain visual consistency are highly valued.

• Showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of audience-centered design and accessibility standards. Process Documentation:

• Ability to develop and document design templates and visual standards to streamline recurring communication efforts.

• Demonstrate experience in managing the design project lifecycle, from concept to final delivery, ensuring efficient workflow and timely completion.

• Showcase an understanding of how design processes contribute to overall communication strategy and operational efficiency within a large organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is often expected to demonstrate not just creative output but also process efficiency and strategic thinking. This section emphasizes the need to showcase how design skills contribute to streamlined workflows and consistent brand messaging, which are key operational concerns.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Minimum: $48,600 - Midpoint: $60,800 annually.

Benefits:

• Eligible for hybrid work, offering flexibility in work location.

• Standard University of Alabama benefits package (details typically provided upon offer, but often include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.).

• Opportunities for professional development and training within a large university setting.

• Access to university resources and collaborative environment.

Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (40 hours per week).

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range is based on the provided Pay Grade/Pay Range. The "Note to Applicants" explicitly mentions eligibility for hybrid work, which is a significant benefit for many professionals, especially those in operations roles who often value flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Research

Company Size: The University of Alabama is a large public university with thousands of employees and tens of thousands of students. This scale implies a complex organizational structure and a wide array of internal and external communication needs.

Founded: The University of Alabama was founded in 1831, signifying a long-standing history and established institutional culture.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the Office for Research Communication, a specialized unit supporting the Division for Research.

• The team likely collaborates closely with various research institutes, departments, and university-wide communications offices.

• The structure will involve reporting to a communications manager or director, with potential for collaboration and guidance of junior designers. Methodology:

• Emphasis on creating accessible, audience-centered materials, reflecting a commitment to effective communication and inclusivity.

• Focus on translating complex research data into understandable visual formats, crucial for grant proposals, public outreach, and stakeholder engagement.

• Development of templates and visual standards indicates a drive for efficiency, consistency, and scalability in communication efforts.

Company Website: https://www.ua.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the university environment is key. Operations roles here often involve navigating established processes, adhering to institutional brand guidelines, and serving a diverse set of stakeholders. The research focus adds a layer of complexity in communicating technical or scientific information.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Graphic Designer II position, indicating an intermediate level. It requires independent work on moderately complex projects and may involve some mentoring of entry-level staff. It's a stepping stone towards senior design or specialized communication roles.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Office for Research Communication, likely under a Director or Manager of Communications. Collaboration will extend to researchers, administrative staff within the Division for Research, and potentially other university communication departments.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the perception and understanding of the University of Alabama's research initiatives. Effective visual communication is crucial for securing grants, attracting talent, engaging the public, and reinforcing the university's brand and reputation. This role supports the operational goal of disseminating research effectively and efficiently.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like data visualization, digital accessibility, or research communication design.

• Leadership Development: Potential to take on more complex projects, lead design initiatives, or mentor junior team members, paving the way for a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Collaboration across various research disciplines and university departments offers broad exposure to different communication challenges and strategic objectives.

• Professional Development: Access to university-sponsored training, workshops, and potentially conferences related to design, communication, and higher education.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding how a role like this contributes to broader organizational goals (like research funding and reputation) is key. Growth here involves not just design skills but also strategic communication and project management capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is eligible for hybrid work, suggesting a flexible environment that likely combines on-site collaboration with remote work. The on-site component would be within a university office setting.

Office Location(s): Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The specific office location would be within the University of Alabama campus, likely in a building associated with the Division for Research or its communication office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with researchers, communicators, and leadership, suggesting an environment that values teamwork and open communication.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment, reliable internet for remote work, and the necessary software licenses (Adobe Creative Cloud) are expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings (virtual or in-person) and ad-hoc discussions with colleagues will be part of the daily routine.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) with the flexibility of a hybrid arrangement, allowing for better work-life integration, which is often a priority for operations professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant aspect. Operations professionals often seek environments that support efficiency and work-life balance, and this hybrid setup directly addresses that. Understanding the blend of remote and on-site expectations is crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design capabilities.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or technical test to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and design principles. This may involve translating a piece of research into a visual format.

• Interviews: One or more interviews with the hiring manager and potentially team members or stakeholders from the Division for Research. Expect questions about design philosophy, project management, collaboration, and experience with complex information.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through selected portfolio pieces, discussing the design process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best represent your skills relevant to this role, focusing on translating complex information, adhering to brand guidelines, and designing for diverse audiences (digital and print).

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the impact or outcome. Emphasize how your design choices addressed the specific needs of the research communication.

• Highlight Process: Be prepared to discuss your workflow, how you manage feedback, and how you ensure brand consistency and accessibility.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work across different media (web, print, social) and your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research University Branding: Familiarize yourself with The University of Alabama's brand guidelines and visual identity.

• Understand Research Communication: Review examples of research communication materials from similar institutions or The University of Alabama itself to understand common themes and visual approaches.

• Practice Data Visualization: Be ready to demonstrate how you would visually represent data or complex research concepts. Consider how to make information accessible and engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, the portfolio review is critical for demonstrating tangible skills and strategic thinking. Highlighting process, efficiency (through templates), and impact (through clear communication of research) will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency required, particularly in:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and publication design (brochures, reports, presentations).
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word for text formatting and PowerPoint for presentations, often used in conjunction with design files.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) for web graphics and social media metrics for digital content performance would be beneficial.

• Familiarity with tools that track engagement for digital communications. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but an understanding of how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or content management systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Cloud is critical. For operations professionals, understanding the tools used to execute tasks is vital. This list focuses on the core design software, highlighting the need for technical proficiency in these specific applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Clarity and Accessibility: A strong emphasis on making complex information clear and accessible to a wide range of audiences, reflecting a commitment to effective communication and inclusivity.

• Brand Consistency: Upholding and strengthening the university's brand identity through consistent and professional visual applications.

• Efficiency and Scalability: Developing templates and standards to improve the efficiency of communication efforts and ensure scalability across various projects.

• Collaboration and Support: Working effectively with diverse teams, including researchers and other communication professionals, to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing research data and institutional impact information as the foundation for visual communication strategies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active collaboration with researchers, communicators, and leadership to understand needs and develop tailored visual solutions.

• Feedback-Oriented: A willingness to receive and incorporate feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and ensure objectives are met.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where best practices in design and communication are shared and adopted.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize the "operations" side of design: process, consistency, efficiency, and supporting organizational goals through clear communication. This aligns with the mindset of operations professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Research: The primary challenge is effectively visualizing intricate scientific or technical research for non-expert audiences without losing accuracy or nuance.

• Balancing Brand Standards with Creativity: Maintaining the university's established brand identity while producing fresh, engaging, and innovative designs.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling requests and feedback from various research groups, leadership, and departments, each with unique communication objectives.

• Keeping Pace with Digital Trends: Adapting design strategies to evolving digital platforms, accessibility standards, and user expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn new design software features, advanced illustration, or motion graphics.

• Data Visualization Specialization: Deepening expertise in creating compelling charts, graphs, and infographics from complex datasets.

• Accessibility Standards: Gaining in-depth knowledge of WCAG guidelines and best practices for creating universally accessible digital content.

• Higher Education Communication: Understanding the unique communication landscape and strategic priorities within a large university research environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying challenges and growth opportunities is crucial for operations professionals looking to assess the developmental potential of a role and how it aligns with their career trajectory.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex data or technical information into a clear visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you approach ensuring brand consistency across multiple design projects for a large institution?" (Focus on process, adherence to guidelines, and efficiency).

• "Walk us through a project where you collaborated with non-design stakeholders to achieve a specific communication goal." (Focus on collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for a research division within a university setting like The University of Alabama?" (Research your understanding of UA's research mission and the role of communication).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and digital accessibility best practices?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Assess project management and organizational skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each piece, outline the problem, your solution, your design choices, and the results. Use a clear, logical flow.

• Quantify Impact Where Possible: If a design led to increased engagement, grant submissions, or clearer understanding, highlight that.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your specific use of Adobe Creative Cloud tools and techniques.

• Showcase Adaptability: Be ready to discuss how you adapt your style and approach to different audiences and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions will help operations candidates demonstrate their strategic thinking, process orientation, and ability to contribute beyond just creative execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Alabama careers page.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with graphic design, visual communication, brand application, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud. Use keywords from the job description, such as "visual communication," "brand strategy," "digital accessibility," and "data visualization."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects that showcase your ability to translate complex information, maintain brand consistency, and design for both digital and print media. Ensure it's easily accessible online.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, project management skills, and how your work supports organizational goals, especially in a research or educational context. Be ready to discuss your portfolio pieces in detail.

• Research The University of Alabama: Familiarize yourself with the university's mission, its research initiatives, and its brand guidelines to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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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