Graphic Designer, Marketing & Communications, Full Time, Hybrid/Cincinnati

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Marketing & Communications

Company: UC Health

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in developing and executing visual storytelling strategies to enhance the UC Health brand across diverse communication channels.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating high-quality, on-brand creative assets that support overarching marketing and communications objectives.

• Collaboration is key, with close partnerships expected with the Creative Director, senior creative team members, and broader organizational stakeholders.

• The position demands a commitment to executional excellence, continuous skill development, and the delivery of thoughtful, impactful design solutions within a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and focus on "visual storytelling," "brand strengthening," and "marketing and communications strategies" position this role within the broader MarOps and Creative Services functions, emphasizing the operational execution of creative marketing initiatives. The hybrid nature suggests a structured approach to in-office collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling visual narratives and creative assets that effectively communicate UC Health's mission, services, and brand identity across various platforms (digital, print, social media, etc.).

• Execute design projects from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines, project timelines, and stakeholder requirements.

• Collaborate with marketing, communications, and other internal teams to understand project objectives and translate them into impactful visual designs.

• Support the Creative Director and senior creative staff in brainstorming sessions and the development of creative concepts.

• Maintain a high standard of design quality and consistency, ensuring all creative output aligns with UC Health's brand voice and visual standards.

• Manage and organize creative assets, ensuring proper file management and version control.

• Stay abreast of design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in visual communication and healthcare marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "day-to-day creative needs" and supporting "marketing and communications strategies," indicating a focus on tactical execution and operational efficiency within the creative function. The role is expected to contribute to the consistent delivery of creative output, a hallmark of operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2-3 years of professional graphic design experience.

Required Skills:

• Visual Storytelling: Ability to craft compelling narratives through visual elements.

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant design tools.

• Brand Management: Deep understanding of brand guidelines and ability to apply them consistently across all creative assets.

• Marketing Communications: Familiarity with marketing principles and how design supports communication strategies.

• Creative Asset Creation: Proven ability to produce high-quality visual assets for diverse channels.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for effective teamwork and clear articulation of design concepts.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy and quality.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the healthcare industry or with academic health systems.

• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) for managing design workflows.

• Basic understanding of UI/UX principles for digital assets.

• Experience with motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro).

• Knowledge of print production processes and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for 3-5 years of experience suggests a role that requires a solid foundation in design principles and the ability to work with some autonomy, yet still within a collaborative team structure. The emphasis on brand management and marketing communications highlights the operational aspect of ensuring brand consistency and supporting strategic goals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects demonstrating visual storytelling and brand application.

• Examples should highlight successful creative asset creation across various media (digital, print, social).

• Projects should illustrate the ability to translate marketing and communication objectives into effective visual solutions.

• Portfolio pieces should reflect a strong understanding and application of brand guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly required for this role, candidates are expected to articulate their design process clearly during interviews. This includes:

  • Workflow planning from brief to final delivery.

  • Methods for incorporating feedback and revisions.

  • Strategies for managing multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.

  • Understanding of how design processes integrate with broader marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role within a marketing operations context, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of an individual's ability to execute on strategic creative directives efficiently and effectively, aligning with brand standards. The emphasis is on demonstrating a structured approach to design execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with employer match (e.g., 401(k) or similar).

• Opportunities for professional development, including workshops, training, and conferences.

• Employee assistance programs (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.

• Tuition reimbursement or educational assistance programs.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week.

• The role operates on a hybrid model, requiring a balance of on-site work in Cincinnati and remote work. Specific days in office will be determined by team needs and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data for similar roles in the Cincinnati area, considering experience level and the employer's sector (healthcare). Benefits are typical for a large, established organization like UC Health, focusing on employee well-being and professional growth, which are attractive to operations-minded professionals seeking stability and support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare / Academic Health System

Company Size: Large (UC Health is a major health system with thousands of employees, indicating a complex organizational structure and robust operational framework)

Founded: UC Health traces its roots back to the founding of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1819, representing a long-standing commitment to healthcare, education, and research.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing & Communications department, likely reporting to a Creative Director or similar senior creative lead.

• This team operates collaboratively, working closely with content creators, digital marketers, PR specialists, and other MarOps professionals.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-informed creative development, where design choices are influenced by marketing objectives and audience engagement metrics.

• Structured workflow processes for project intake, creative brief development, design execution, review, and final delivery.

• Commitment to brand consistency and quality assurance across all visual communications.

• Continuous improvement mindset, encouraging feedback and adaptation to evolving design trends and organizational needs.

Company Website: https://www.uchealth.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large academic health system like UC Health means operating within a structured, process-driven environment. The culture likely values expertise, collaboration, and a commitment to the organization's mission. The size implies significant resources and established operational protocols.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is beyond entry-level, requiring demonstrable skills and independent project execution, but likely still under the guidance of senior creative leadership. It’s a key contributor role within the creative operations function.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Director or a Manager within the Marketing & Communications department. This structure provides mentorship and clear direction for creative projects.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue streams, this role's operations impact is significant. By creating compelling and on-brand visuals, the designer directly influences brand perception, patient engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, which in turn supports patient acquisition, retention, and overall organizational reputation—all critical operational outcomes for a healthcare provider.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital design, motion graphics, healthcare marketing visuals).

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, potential to lead design aspects of smaller projects or campaigns.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from senior designers and Creative Directors, fostering professional development.

• Advancement: Potential to move into Senior Graphic Designer roles, Art Director positions, or specialized creative roles within UC Health.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunity to collaborate with various teams, gaining a broader understanding of organizational operations and marketing strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for creative roles within large organizations often involves increasing responsibility for project scope, strategic input, and potentially team leadership. The emphasis here is on developing specialized skills and demonstrating operational excellence in creative execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work flexibility with in-office collaboration. This suggests a modern approach to workspace management, balancing individual productivity with team synergy.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Cincinnati, with a specific address noted at 3200 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229. This is within a major urban setting, offering accessibility and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates intentional collaboration, likely through scheduled team meetings (virtual and in-person), design critiques, and project working sessions.

• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary design software and hardware, likely supported by IT infrastructure. The company's status as a large health system suggests robust technological support.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the creative team, marketing professionals, and other internal stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week), with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model. Specific in-office days would likely be structured to facilitate team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring individuals to be self-motivated and adept at managing their time effectively across different work settings. It also implies a reliance on digital collaboration tools and clear communication protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application and resume to assess basic qualifications.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio to the hiring manager and/or senior creative team members. This is where design skills, creativity, and brand alignment are evaluated.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study related to a hypothetical UC Health marketing scenario. This assesses problem-solving skills, design approach, and ability to work under a time constraint.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions focused on teamwork, problem-solving, handling feedback, and cultural fit within the UC Health environment.

• Final Interview: Typically with a department leader, focusing on overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Brand Application: Demonstrate your ability to adhere to and creatively interpret brand guidelines, especially for healthcare clients if possible.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples across different media (digital, print, social) to prove adaptability.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research UC Health's mission, values, current marketing efforts, and target audiences.

• Think Strategically: Approach any design challenge by first understanding the business/marketing objective.

• Process-Oriented: Be prepared to articulate your step-by-step design process, including research, concept development, sketching, digital execution, and revision handling.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a given timeframe.

• Presentation Skills: Be ready to clearly and concisely present your work and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the cornerstone of this application process. Candidates must be prepared to not only show their work but also to articulate the strategic thinking and operational process behind it, demonstrating their value as a creative problem-solver within a marketing context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of visual assets.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in PowerPoint for presentations, Word for document creation, and Excel for basic data tracking if needed.

Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

• Microsoft Teams / Slack: For daily team communication and collaboration.

• Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar: Potentially used for task management, project tracking, and workflow management within the Marketing & Communications department.

• SharePoint / Cloud Storage: For file sharing, asset management, and version control.

Digital & Web Tools (Familiarity is a plus):

• Basic HTML/CSS: Understanding for digital asset optimization.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like WordPress.

• Email Marketing Platforms: Experience with tools like Mailchimp or similar for designing email campaigns.

• Social Media Management Tools: Familiarity with scheduling and asset optimization for platforms like Hootsuite or Buffer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is crucial for success in a hybrid, team-oriented environment. Experience with digital marketing tools indicates a broader understanding of how design integrates into broader marketing operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to UC Health's mission of patient care, education, and research, reflected in all creative output.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among team members and with other departments.

• Excellence & Quality: Dedication to producing high-quality, polished creative work that meets professional standards and brand integrity.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Openness to new ideas, design trends, and evolving technologies, while maintaining brand consistency.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering on commitments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Actively engaging with stakeholders from various departments (clinical, administrative, research) to understand their needs and deliver targeted design solutions.

• Feedback Integration: A culture of constructive feedback, where critiques are seen as opportunities for improvement and refinement of creative work.

• Proactive Communication: Regular updates on project status, potential roadblocks, and creative concepts to ensure alignment and transparency.

• Team-Oriented Problem Solving: Working together to overcome creative challenges and find the most effective visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a healthcare institution like UC Health often emphasizes patient care, ethical practices, and a collaborative approach to complex problem-solving. For a creative role, this translates to designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also clear, informative, and aligned with the organization's core mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas within strict brand guidelines and organizational requirements.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling competing priorities and feedback from various departments to deliver cohesive design solutions.

• Adapting to Evolving Healthcare Landscape: Staying current with design trends and communication strategies relevant to the dynamic healthcare industry.

• Maintaining Consistency Across Diverse Channels: Ensuring brand uniformity across a wide range of marketing materials and platforms.

• Hybrid Work Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining productivity in a hybrid work setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Access to courses and workshops focusing on advanced design techniques, software, or specific areas like healthcare branding.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend marketing and design conferences (e.g., AIGA, HOW Design Live) to stay updated on trends and network.

• Cross-Training: Exposure to other functions within Marketing & Communications, broadening understanding of campaign strategy and execution.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior creative professionals within UC Health.

• Internal Certifications/Workshops: UC Health may offer internal professional development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of brand management within a regulated industry. Growth opportunities focus on continuous skill enhancement and strategic development within the marketing operations framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a visual campaign from initial brief to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines while also being creative and engaging?" (Highlight balance between operational adherence and creative execution.)

• "Tell us about a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Assess communication, adaptability, and professionalism.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for UC Health specifically?" (Connect your passion and skills to the organization's mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a hybrid team environment?" (Emphasize communication, proactivity, and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. Start with your strongest, most relevant projects.

• Contextualize Each Piece: For every project, clearly state the client/purpose, your specific role, the problem you were solving, your design process, and the results achieved. Use metrics if possible.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Explicitly show how you applied brand guidelines.

• Showcase Versatility: Include a mix of digital and print projects, demonstrating your range.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and how you handle revisions and feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent, but also the operational discipline, communication skills, and strategic thinking required to succeed in a large, structured organization like UC Health. The portfolio presentation is your primary tool for showcasing this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Navigate to the UC Health careers portal via the provided URL or search for the job title and company.

• Craft a targeted resume: Highlight experience in graphic design, marketing communications, brand management, and relevant software proficiency. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it is up-to-date, well-organized, and showcases your best work relevant to marketing and brand communications. Include project descriptions that detail your process and impact.

• Write a compelling cover letter: Tailor it to UC Health, emphasizing your understanding of their mission and how your design skills can contribute to their brand and marketing objectives.

• Practice your interview responses: Be ready to discuss your design process, collaboration style, and how you handle challenges, particularly in a hybrid work environment.

⚠️ 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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