Senior Brand & Graphic Designer, University Advancement

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand & Graphic Designer, University Advancement

Company: Nevada System of Higher Education

Location: University of Nevada, Reno - Main Campus, Reno, Nevada, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations (University Advancement)

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual identity and brand strategy for University Advancement, ensuring cohesive and compelling design across all platforms.

• Develop and execute high-impact visual communications for fundraising campaigns, donor relations, alumni engagement, and executive leadership materials.

• Lead creative direction and project management for design initiatives, including the flagship alumni magazine, <i>Nevada Silver & Blue</i>.

• Empower non-designer users by creating scalable brand templates and assets in user-friendly tools like Canva, Adobe Express, and PowerPoint.

• Serve as a strategic design consultant, collaborating closely with development, stewardship, events, and alumni engagement teams to achieve philanthropic and engagement goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for University Advancement, bridging creative design with the strategic goals of fundraising and alumni relations. The emphasis on "Advancement" indicates a focus on donor cultivation, stewardship, and institutional support, requiring a designer who can translate complex philanthropic messages into visually engaging content. The "Senior" title suggests a need for independent work, leadership, and significant creative autonomy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visually stunning and brand-compliant materials for a variety of advancement initiatives, including campaign collateral, event invitations, donor recognition pieces, annual reports, and digital assets (web banners, social media graphics, email templates).

• Lead the creative development and execution of the <i>Nevada Silver & Blue</i> alumni magazine, from concept to print, ensuring high editorial and design quality.

• Manage and mentor freelance designers, student workers, and other design contributors, providing clear direction, feedback, and quality assurance.

• Develop and maintain a robust library of brand templates and assets across platforms such as Canva, Adobe Express, and PowerPoint, ensuring ease of use and brand consistency for internal stakeholders.

• Collaborate with advancement leadership, front-line fundraisers, alumni engagement officers, and central marketing/communications teams to understand project objectives and translate them into effective visual solutions.

• Ensure all design work adheres strictly to institutional brand standards and guidelines, acting as a brand guardian for University Advancement.

• Provide strategic design consultation, advising teams on the most effective visual approaches to meet their communication and fundraising objectives.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design, creative leadership, and strategic partnership. The mention of "scalable brand templates" and "non-designer users" points to a need for efficient workflow creation and a focus on empowering internal teams, a key aspect of operations in a large institution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

• Master’s Degree in a related discipline is a plus. Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional graphic design experience with a strong emphasis on brand identity systems, multi-platform campaign development, and editorial design.

• Three (3) years of professional experience if holding a Master’s degree.

• Demonstrated experience in managing brand identity systems or closely related work. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive brand identity systems, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.

• Proven ability to design for both print and digital mediums, understanding the unique requirements of each.

• Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional design aesthetic, creativity, and problem-solving skills across various formats (print, digital, environmental).

• Experience in editorial design, particularly with magazines or publications.

• Proficiency in user-friendly design tools such as Canva, Adobe Express, and Microsoft PowerPoint for template creation and distribution.

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and present design concepts.

• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex advancement priorities into clear, compelling visual narratives. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in higher education or non-profit advancement/fundraising communications.

• Supervisory or team leadership experience, including managing freelance or student staff.

• Familiarity with environmental design principles and application.

• Experience with data visualization and creating infographics.

• Understanding of UX/UI principles for digital design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio that demonstrates work across "print, digital, and environmental platforms" is crucial. For a senior role in advancement, it's expected that the portfolio will also showcase experience with materials that support fundraising, donor engagement, and alumni relations, rather than solely marketing or general communications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 3-5 years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on brand identity development and multi-platform execution.

• Examples showcasing the design and management of editorial content, such as alumni magazines or similar publications.

• Demonstrations of creating scalable design templates and assets for non-designer users, ideally using tools like Canva, Adobe Express, or PowerPoint.

• Case studies or examples that illustrate how design solutions have supported strategic objectives, such as fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, or alumni engagement initiatives.

• Evidence of maintaining brand consistency and adherence to institutional brand standards across a range of materials. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from concept to final delivery, including client brief interpretation, research, ideation, execution, and feedback integration.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design projects through their lifecycle, including timeline management, resource allocation (especially for freelance/student support), and quality control.

• Examples of creating and implementing brand guidelines or design systems to ensure consistent visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Senior" role, the portfolio should not just contain finished pieces but also demonstrate the candidate's thought process, strategic approach to design problems, and ability to manage projects end-to-end. The emphasis on "Advancement" means portfolios should ideally include examples of materials used in fundraising, donor relations, or alumni engagement contexts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The University of Nevada, Reno classifies this position as Administrative Faculty – Grade C. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience. Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Graphic Designers in higher education in Reno, Nevada, with 3-5 years of experience, the estimated salary range is $70,000 - $90,000 annually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in higher education in Reno, NV. Actual salary will be determined by the university based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The university's salary schedule (Administrative Faculty – Grade C) should be consulted for official pay bands.

Benefits:

• Remarkable Retirement Plan: Generous university match of 19.25% contribution, with 100% vesting on the first day of employment.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Generous Leave Policies: Includes annual leave, sick leave, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

• Wellness & Recreation: Access to the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center with membership options.

• Educational Benefits: Faculty Grants-in-Aid offering reduced-rate tuition for employees and unlimited credits for eligible dependents.

• Dual Career Assistance Program: Resources and support for spouses/partners of newly hired faculty to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to Mountain EAP for counseling and advisory services for personal or interpersonal issues.

• Other Perks: Discounts at local businesses with WolfCard, no state income tax in Nevada.

Working Hours:

• Variable work schedule is noted, with a standard full-time equivalent of 100.0% (40 hours per week). Occasional travel may be required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Public Research University

Company Size: The University of Nevada, Reno is a large institution, serving over 23,000 students. University Advancement is a significant department within the university, likely comprising dozens of professionals focused on fundraising, alumni relations, and institutional support.

Founded: 1874, with a rich history as Nevada’s original land-grant university.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Brand & Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications for University Advancement.

• This role will lead and supervise freelance designers, student workers, and other design contributors.

• Close collaboration is expected with front-line fundraisers, stewardship officers, event planners, alumni engagement specialists, and central university marketing and communications teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Design decisions will be informed by institutional advancement goals, campaign objectives, and audience engagement metrics.

• Brand Stewardship: A primary focus on maintaining and enhancing the university's and advancement's brand integrity through consistent and strategic visual communications.

• Collaborative Workflow: Emphasis on cross-functional teamwork, incorporating feedback from various advancement departments and central communications.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Development of templated solutions to enable broader adoption and consistent branding across the Advancement division.

Company Website: http://www.unr.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University Advancement context implies a mission-driven environment focused on building relationships with donors, alumni, and friends to support the university's strategic initiatives. The culture likely values strong communication, relationship-building, and a commitment to the university's mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the Marketing & Communications function of University Advancement. It requires a high degree of autonomy, creative leadership, and the ability to manage projects and people. It sits above entry-level or mid-level designer roles and is a key contributor to the strategic execution of advancement communications.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications for University Advancement, indicating a direct line of influence on departmental strategy and execution.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation, stewardship efforts, and alumni engagement. High-quality visual communications are essential for building trust, conveying impact, and inspiring philanthropic support, thereby directly contributing to the financial health and strategic growth of the university.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead design projects and mentor junior staff, potentially paving the way for a Design Manager or Art Director role within Advancement or the broader university.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like editorial design, brand strategy for non-profits, or digital campaign design within the advancement sector.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Potential to move into broader marketing or communications roles within University Advancement or other university departments, leveraging a strong understanding of institutional priorities.

• Professional Development: Access to university-sponsored training, workshops, and potential for attending industry conferences related to higher education marketing and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth within this role is likely tied to demonstrating strategic impact, effective leadership of design projects and people, and successful contribution to advancement goals. The university setting offers stability and a structured path for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position at the University of Nevada, Reno Main Campus. The environment is likely a professional office setting within the University Advancement division.

Office Location(s): University of Nevada, Reno - Main Campus, Reno, Nevada. This offers a vibrant university town atmosphere with access to amenities and a growing tech hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a dedicated design area, equipped with necessary hardware and software.

• Opportunities for collaboration with marketing and communications colleagues within Advancement, as well as interaction with development officers, alumni engagement staff, and other campus partners.

• Access to university resources and potentially a shared creative environment that fosters idea exchange. Work Schedule:

• A variable work schedule is mentioned, but the role is full-time (100% FTE). Occasional travel may be required. This suggests flexibility might be available, but core hours and availability for critical deadlines will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles that involve significant collaboration and managing physical assets or events. The "variable work schedule" might offer some flexibility in daily hours, but critical project deadlines and team collaboration will dictate availability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume, cover letter, and submitted portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, strategic thinking, and how their work aligns with advancement goals.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a discussion about specific technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, brand guideline application).

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions assessing leadership capabilities, collaboration skills, problem-solving approaches, and experience managing stakeholders.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interviews: Meetings with the Director of Marketing & Communications, and potentially other key Advancement team members or central marketing staff.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your experience in brand identity, editorial design, and multi-platform communications, with a preference for advancement-related work.

• Showcase Process: For each project, articulate the objective, your role, the challenges faced, your design process (sketches, iterations), the solutions, and the outcome/impact. Use visuals to illustrate your journey.

• Highlight Advancement Relevance: If possible, include examples of work that supported fundraising, donor relations, alumni engagement, or similar philanthropic initiatives.

• Demonstrate Template Creation: Include examples of scalable templates you've created for non-designers, explaining the rationale and benefits.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, manage deadlines, and collaborate with non-designers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to designing for a specific advancement challenge (e.g., a campaign to increase alumni giving, a donor stewardship event).

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Understand the University of Nevada, Reno's brand identity and how you would apply it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. A strong demonstration of relevant work, coupled with the ability to articulate the strategic thinking behind it, will be key to advancing in the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign (essential for editorial and print), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), Photoshop (image editing, digital assets).

• Brand Template Platforms: Canva, Adobe Express (for creating user-friendly templates for non-designers).

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint (for template creation and presentations).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., email open rates, web click-throughs, social media engagement) will be beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics or social media analytics platforms may be helpful. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, Blackbaud) used in advancement is a plus, as design assets may be integrated into donor communications managed through these platforms.

• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or university-specific platforms) for designing email templates.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The specific mention of Canva, Adobe Express, and PowerPoint highlights the role's dual nature: high-level creative design and enabling others through user-friendly tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful visual communications that elevate the university's brand.

• Strategic Impact: Understanding that design serves strategic goals, particularly in advancement, and striving to create work that contributes to those objectives.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively with diverse teams across Advancement and the university to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and promoting the university's brand standards with diligence and creativity.

• Efficiency & Empowerment: Developing streamlined design processes and resources that enable colleagues to succeed.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with development officers, alumni relations professionals, and marketing colleagues to understand their needs and co-create solutions.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and iterative design processes, using feedback to refine and improve work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design expertise, best practices, and train others on using brand templates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a strong work ethic, a passion for higher education, and a collaborative spirit. The Advancement division's success hinges on strong internal partnerships, so a team player attitude is critical.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Ensuring all designs adhere to strict brand guidelines while still being fresh, engaging, and innovative for diverse advancement initiatives.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling requests and expectations from various departments within University Advancement, each with unique objectives and priorities.

• Scaling Design Support: Effectively enabling non-designers to create branded materials while maintaining quality and consistency.

• Demonstrating ROI: Quantifying the impact of design on advancement goals (e.g., increased donor engagement, successful campaign metrics).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses to refine skills in specific design areas or learn new software.

• Higher Education Marketing & Advancement Trends: Staying abreast of best practices in alumni relations, fundraising communications, and institutional branding.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Developing skills in managing teams, providing creative direction, and mentoring junior designers.

• Project Management: Enhancing skills in managing complex projects from initiation to completion within a large institutional framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to become an expert in design for higher education advancement, a specialized and rewarding field. The challenges are typical for senior operational roles in large organizations, requiring strong problem-solving and strategic thinking.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a visual identity for a new campaign or initiative within University Advancement." (Focus on strategic thinking, research, stakeholder input, and brand alignment.)

• "How do you balance the need for creative freedom with strict brand guidelines, especially in a large institution like UNR?" (Highlight your approach to brand stewardship and creative problem-solving.)

• "Walk us through a project where you successfully empowered non-designers to create branded materials. What tools did you use, and what was the impact?" (Prepare to discuss your experience with template creation and user enablement.)

• "Imagine we are launching a major fundraising campaign. What are the key visual elements and communication strategies you would propose, and how would you ensure consistency across all materials?" (Demonstrate your understanding of advancement goals and integrated campaign design.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to working in University Advancement at the University of Nevada, Reno?" (Research UNR's mission, values, and recent achievements. Connect your passion for design to their goals.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with development officers or fundraisers who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and partnership skills.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design work, particularly in relation to advancement objectives?" (Discuss metrics like engagement, conversion rates, and brand perception.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or testimonials that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how each project showcases your proficiency in brand identity, editorial design, multi-platform execution, and template creation.

• Tailor to UNR: Briefly explain how your skills and experience would benefit University Advancement at UNR.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for not just design talent, but also strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and an understanding of the unique context of university advancement.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Brand & Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday portal link.

• Curate your digital portfolio to highlight your best work in brand identity, editorial design, and multi-platform communications, with a focus on advancement-related projects if possible. Ensure it includes examples of scalable templates.

• Optimize your resume and cover letter to clearly articulate your years of experience, specific skills (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.), and achievements in brand management and project leadership. Tailor the cover letter to express your enthusiasm for higher education and the University of Nevada, Reno.

• Prepare a concise presentation of your portfolio, ready to discuss your design process, strategic thinking, and how you've driven impact in previous roles.

• Conduct thorough research on the University of Nevada, Reno, its mission, values, and the specific goals of University Advancement. Understand their current brand guidelines if publicly available.

⚠️ 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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