Senior Graphic Designer, Health Sciences Development

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer, Health Sciences Development

Company: The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Healthcare

Date Posted: 2026-08-20T02:16:00

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (7+ Years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as a strategic visual leader and subject matter expert in graphic design for healthcare innovations and pioneering research.

• Translate complex stories, concepts, and strategies into distinctive print and digital communications that inspire support for UCLA Health Sciences Development (HSD).

• Execute high-impact visual strategies for transformational donor gifts, requiring refined design elements and sophisticated execution.

• Operate with a high degree of autonomy to provide recommendations and feedback that drive fundraising strategies, mentor staff, and guide external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Senior" Graphic Designer, implying a need for advanced design skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate with significant independence. The focus on "Health Sciences Development" specifically points to a need for understanding and effectively communicating complex medical and research-related information to a donor audience, often requiring a blend of sophisticated aesthetics and clarity. The hybrid nature suggests a need for strong self-management and effective remote collaboration tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sophisticated visual strategies and refined design elements for print and digital communications, aligning with the UCLA Health brand and HSD's fundraising objectives.

• Translate complex healthcare innovations, pioneering research, and development initiatives into compelling visual narratives that resonate with a global community of donors and stakeholders.

• Design and produce a wide range of materials, including but not limited to annual reports, campaign materials, event collateral, website graphics, social media content, and donor proposals.

• Manage end-to-end design production, overseeing layout, typography, print specifications, and ensuring adherence to established style guides and brand standards.

• Collaborate closely with development officers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders to understand project requirements, interpret client needs, and deliver creative solutions that meet budget and strategic objectives.

• Provide creative direction and feedback to junior designers and external vendors, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery of all design projects.

• Utilize advanced analytical and critical thinking skills to assess design challenges, navigate ambiguous situations, and apply appropriate judgment to inform strategic visual decision-making.

• Stay abreast of current design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in visual communication, particularly within the healthcare and non-profit development sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic and leadership-oriented approach to graphic design, moving beyond execution to include strategic input, vendor management, and mentorship. The mention of "transformational donor gifts" and "fundraising strategies" indicates a need for design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also persuasive and impactful in driving philanthropic support.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Graphic Designer role. Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of prior experience in a marketing/communications environment, preferably in an agency, creative corporate client, or non-profit organization, demonstrating strong creative flair, versatility, conceptual/visual ability, and originality.

• Proven experience devising realistic and comprehensive production schedules, estimating and tracking project expenses and timelines, and taking direct control for project components with minimal supervision.

• Demonstrated experience and skills in making bold aesthetic decisions and executing sophisticated visual strategies. Required Skills:

• High-level proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Familiarity with AfterEffects and ability to create motion graphics.

• Working knowledge of HTML/CSS for digital design applications.

• Strong understanding of multimedia design principles, including building and organizing files for print, digital design, and web-based platforms (site creation and email marketing).

• Sophisticated knowledge of graphic design principles and design tools; ability to govern end-to-end design production, manage layout, typography, and print specifications, and conform to organizational style guides.

• Strong knowledge of user experience/user interface (UX/UI) principles and best practices.

• Strong knowledge of printing and production processes, including working knowledge of local vendors regarding performance and pricing.

• Diplomatic and well-developed interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build cooperative, effective relationships with a wide variety of internal/external constituents.

• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous situations and apply appropriate judgment.

• Excellent written communication skills with an advanced command of English for proofreading and editing.

• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and accuracy; deadline-driven with the ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently.

• Skill and willingness to work as part of a team, collaborate on projects, and serve as a mentor; strong verbal communication and active listening skills.

• Skilled ability to problem-solve, make changes and corrections, and offer appropriate solutions; innovative and creative with the ability to determine resources needed for projects. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of fundraising principles/techniques and the application of graphic design to fundraising materials.

• Prior experience with Blackbaud CRM and/or other fundraising databases.

• Working knowledge of UCLA, its organization, structure, and the roles/responsibilities of various academic and administrative units.

• Knowledge of UCLA icons, history, and graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements are extensive and highlight a need for a highly experienced designer who can function as a strategic partner. The emphasis on both technical design skills (Adobe Suite, AfterEffects) and soft skills (interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving) is critical. The preference for fundraising-specific knowledge and familiarity with UCLA indicates a desire for a candidate who can hit the ground running with minimal onboarding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a minimum of 7 years of design experience with a strong emphasis on sophisticated visual strategies and refined design elements, showcasing versatility and originality.

• Include case studies illustrating the end-to-end design production process for complex projects, from concept development to final execution for print and digital platforms.

• Showcase examples of motion graphics created using AfterEffects, alongside static design work from Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Highlight projects that required adherence to strict brand guidelines and style guides, demonstrating an understanding of brand governance.

• Present examples of how design solutions were tailored to specific audiences, budgets, and strategic objectives, particularly within a non-profit or development context. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies that detail the development of comprehensive production schedules, including expense estimation, timeline tracking, and project component management.

• Showcase examples of how UX/UI principles were integrated into digital design projects to enhance user experience.

• Illustrate experience in managing relationships with external vendors, including selection, briefing, and quality control of their work.

• Present evidence of problem-solving in design projects, including how challenges were identified, addressed, and resolved effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, a portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of strategic thinking, process management, and problem-solving. The emphasis should be on the "how" and "why" behind the designs, especially in relation to fundraising and complex scientific communication.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the provided information, the salary is listed as $0. However, UCLA typically has a structured pay scale for Policy Covered positions. For a Senior Graphic Designer role in Los Angeles with 7+ years of experience, a realistic annual salary range would be approximately $85,000 to $130,000 USD. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for senior creative roles in higher education and non-profit sectors in major metropolitan areas, considering the complexity of the work and the required skill set. Benefits:

• Pension Plan: A defined-benefit pension plan, providing a reliable retirement income stream.

• Robust Retirement Savings Plans: Access to 403(b) and 457(b) plans for additional retirement savings.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents, with benefits starting on day one.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences.

• Tuition Assistance: Potential for tuition remission or assistance for eligible employees and dependents.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to meet project deadlines or special event requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry standards for a Senior Graphic Designer in Los Angeles with the specified experience level and the nature of the employer (a major university). The benefits listed are typical for UC employees and are a significant part of the total compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Healthcare / Non-Profit Development. UCLA Health Sciences is a leading academic medical center known for cutting-edge research, patient care, and education. The Development arm focuses on securing philanthropic support to advance these missions.

Company Size: The Regents of the University of California, UCLA Campus, is a massive organization, employing tens of thousands of individuals. Health Sciences Development is a specialized department within this larger entity.

Founded: The University of California was chartered in 1868, and UCLA was established in 1919. This history signifies a stable, established institution with a long-standing commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of the Health Sciences Development team, likely reporting to a Director or Senior Manager of Communications or Marketing.

• The team structure will involve collaboration with other development professionals, including major gift officers, annual fund managers, and prospect researchers.

• Close cross-functional collaboration is expected with UCLA Health marketing and communications departments, as well as potentially with academic and research units within the Health Sciences. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, design decisions will be informed by data and analytics from fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and website performance.

• Strategic Communication: Design efforts will be strategically aligned with HSD's fundraising goals and the broader mission of UCLA Health Sciences.

• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis on maintaining and evolving the UCLA Health brand across all communications.

• Collaborative Workflow: Design projects will likely involve iterative feedback loops and collaborative input from various stakeholders.

Company Website: https://jobs.ucla.edu/ and https://www.uclahealth.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the culture of a large university system like UCLA is key. It implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within a world-renowned institution. The focus on "development" means the design work directly supports philanthropic efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, and expertise. It requires the ability to lead projects, mentor others, and contribute strategically to the department's goals. It's a key contributor role, not typically an entry-level or junior position.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Communications Manager, Director of Development Communications, or a similar leadership role within Health Sciences Development. They will collaborate with a broad range of colleagues across HSD and potentially other UCLA Health units.

Operations Impact: The design work directly impacts the effectiveness of fundraising efforts by creating compelling narratives that inspire donor support. Strong visual communications can enhance donor engagement, increase gift sizes, and elevate the perceived value and impact of UCLA Health Sciences' research, patient care, and educational initiatives. The role is critical in shaping the external perception of HSD.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in healthcare communications, donor relations design, or advanced motion graphics.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Lead Designer or Art Director role, managing a small team or broader creative projects.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into broader marketing or communications management roles within UCLA Health or other university departments.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and pursue certifications to stay current with design trends and technologies.

• Mentorship: Formal or informal opportunities to mentor junior designers or interns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title is crucial. It suggests not only advanced technical skills but also the capacity for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and influencing outcomes. Growth opportunities within a large university system are often structured, offering clear paths for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning a mix of on-site work at the UCLA campus (specifically at 10889 Wilshire Blvd) and remote work. This suggests a need for both in-office collaboration and effective remote work habits.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is specified as 10889 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024. This is a prominent location in Westwood, near the UCLA campus.

Workspace Context:

• On-site: Access to UCLA's facilities, potentially including design studios, meeting rooms, and collaborative workspaces. The environment will likely be professional and academic.

• Remote: A dedicated home office setup capable of supporting design software and remote collaboration tools.

• Technology: Expect access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design hardware and software provided by UCLA. The role requires proficiency with a wide array of design and communication tools.

• Collaboration: Opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, team meetings, and direct interaction with colleagues during on-site days.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. However, the "Special Conditions for Employment" explicitly states the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed, which is common for design roles supporting time-sensitive projects and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be prepared for a structured schedule with the flexibility to adapt to project demands. The Wilshire Blvd location suggests proximity to the main campus but might be in a dedicated administrative building.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial review of applications, resumes, cover letters, and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager (e.g., Director of Communications) to delve into experience, design philosophy, project management skills, and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design rationale, process, and impact. This is a critical stage for a design role. Expect questions about how you handled challenges, client feedback, and achieved results.

• Team/Peer Interview: Interviews with potential team members or collaborators to assess cultural fit, teamwork abilities, and communication style.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge (Potential): A practical exercise or case study to evaluate design problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work under pressure. This might involve developing a concept for a hypothetical fundraising campaign or refining existing materials.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a higher-level executive or stakeholder.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating sophisticated visual strategy, complex problem-solving, and impact in fundraising or similar fields.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design process, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results or impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Process: Show your thought process – sketches, mood boards, wireframes, iterations. Demonstrate how you arrive at your final designs.

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Include examples of motion graphics (AfterEffects), digital design (HTML/CSS considerations), and print production expertise.

• Brand Adherence: If possible, include examples where you successfully worked within or adapted existing brand guidelines, especially for a complex brand like UCLA Health.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your experience with vendors, and your understanding of fundraising communications.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research UCLA Health Sciences Development's mission, recent campaigns, and target audiences.

• Focus on Strategy: If given a design challenge, think beyond aesthetics. Consider the strategic goals, target audience, and desired outcomes.

• Time Management: Practice working efficiently within a given timeframe.

• Communication: Be prepared to clearly articulate your design rationale and defend your choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also to explain the strategic thinking and process behind it, especially as it relates to fundraising and complex health sciences messaging.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: High-level proficiency is mandatory. This includes:

  • InDesign: For layout and print production.
  • Photoshop: For image editing and manipulation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics and illustrations.

• AfterEffects: Required for creating motion graphics.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint for general office tasks, reporting, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts performance is key. Familiarity with:
  • Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): To understand website traffic, user behavior, and the impact of digital design.
  • Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or enterprise solutions): To understand email design best practices and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Blackbaud CRM (Preferred): Experience with this or similar fundraising databases is a significant plus, as it informs the context of donor communications.

• HTML/CSS: Working knowledge is required for digital design, potentially for creating or adapting email templates and basic web content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on AfterEffects for motion graphics. Understanding the context of fundraising CRMs like Blackbaud is also a differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, impactful design that reflects the excellence of UCLA Health Sciences.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and embracing new technologies and design approaches.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams across development, marketing, and academic units.

• Mission-Driven: A dedication to supporting the advancement of healthcare, research, and education through compelling visual storytelling.

• Integrity & Discretion: Handling sensitive information and donor relationships with professionalism and confidentiality.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with development officers, researchers, and administrators to understand their needs and translate them into effective visual communications.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve design outcomes and foster professional growth.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, mentor junior staff, and contribute to a learning environment.

• Stakeholder Management: Building strong working relationships with a wide range of internal and external constituents, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely reflect the values of a major academic institution: a blend of rigorous academic standards, a commitment to public service, and a drive for innovation. The "development" aspect adds a layer of client-service orientation and results-focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: Effectively communicating complex scientific research and medical advancements to a diverse donor audience without oversimplifying or misrepresenting the information.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a strong, cohesive brand identity across a vast array of materials and touchpoints for a large, multi-faceted organization like UCLA Health.

• Balancing Needs: Juggling multiple high-priority projects with competing deadlines and stakeholder expectations in a fast-paced development environment.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Keeping pace with evolving digital design trends, software updates, and new platforms for communication.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Ensuring seamless collaboration and productivity while working both remotely and on-site.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in AfterEffects, explore new Adobe features, or learn complementary design tools.

• Healthcare & Fundraising Communications Workshops: Specialized training focused on effective visual storytelling for scientific and philanthropic audiences.

• Industry Conferences: Attendance at design or non-profit development conferences (e.g., HOW Design Live, CASE Summit) for networking and trend insights.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal opportunities to learn from senior leaders within UCLA Health or the broader university system.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of projects, from high-level campaign creative to detailed event collateral, offering diverse skill-building experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in complex organizations, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are tied to the resources of a major university, offering professional development and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex scientific or technical concept into a compelling visual for a non-expert audience. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your strategic approach, audience understanding, and impact.)

• "How do you approach balancing the creative vision for a project with the strategic objectives and budget constraints of a fundraising campaign?" (Demonstrate your understanding of the development context and your project management skills.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders with differing opinions. How did you navigate those dynamics to achieve a successful design outcome?" (Highlight your communication, diplomacy, and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for UCLA Health Sciences Development specifically, and how do your design skills align with our mission?" (Show you've researched the organization and understand its goals.)

• "How do you envision your role as a Senior Graphic Designer contributing to our fundraising efforts?" (Connect your skills directly to their business objectives.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you approach mentoring junior colleagues or guiding external vendors?" (Assess your team fit and leadership potential.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically. Start with an overview of your experience and then dive into 3-5 key projects.

• The "Why" Matters: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design strategy, the tools and techniques used, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Showcase Range: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your ability across print, digital, and motion graphics.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss specific software techniques, production processes, and UX/UI considerations.

• Enthusiasm for UCLA: Convey genuine excitement about the opportunity to contribute to UCLA Health's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving, and a clear understanding of how design contributes to fundraising success within a complex academic medical center.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application: Complete the online application through the UCLA Jobs portal.

• Craft a compelling resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the 7+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (including AfterEffects), motion graphics capabilities, UX/UI knowledge, and any fundraising or non-profit experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your cover letter: Clearly articulate your interest in UCLA Health Sciences Development, your relevant skills, and why you are a strong candidate for this senior role. Address your ability to work in a hybrid environment and your understanding of their mission.

• Curate your portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant projects. Ensure it showcases a range of work (print, digital, motion graphics) and provides clear explanations of your process, strategy, and impact. Make sure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link to a personal website or a well-organized PDF).

• Research UCLA Health Sciences Development: Understand their mission, recent campaigns, and target audiences. This will be invaluable for your cover letter and interview discussions.

• Practice your portfolio presentation: Be ready to walk through your selected projects, explaining your design choices, process, and outcomes concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.