Junior Graphic Designer (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is Step 1: $27.34 - Step 5: $32.83. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $27.34/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around February 18, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This is a union represented position, covered by TX-Technical Professionals.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is 3 days in office and 2 days remote.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

This position supports the marketing and communication needs of the Enrollment Management division, working under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Design. The incumbent is responsible for developing creative materials that serve the needs of Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, and the Students First Center. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound judgment in selecting appropriate methods and techniques for creating solutions and will primarily focus on enhancing the work's creative and user experience aspects. This role ensures that all programs and information are easily accessible to prospective students, parents, and other audiences as identified by Enrollment Management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in Creative Content Development by participating in brainstorming sessions, creating initial design concepts, developing design mockups, incorporating feedback from the design director and enrollment team, and helping to maintain a dynamic and contemporary visual approach that resonates with target recruitment audiences.
• Support Multi-Channel Communication Campaigns by translating marketing strategies into visually compelling designs, collaborating closely with the communications team to ensure consistent messaging and visual brand representation across all enrollment-related materials, and producing design iterations that align with strategic recruitment goals.
• Assist in the development of visual assets for recruitment materials by creating engaging, on-brand design collateral including digital and print recruitment pieces such as viewbooks, email graphics, social media assets, digital advertisements, and targeted campaign materials that effectively communicate the institution's value proposition to prospective students across various audience segments.
• Support the Design Director by managing and executing digital and print production workflows by preparing print-ready files, coordinating with external vendors, performing quality control checks, managing design file organization, and ensuring all creative materials meet brand guidelines, technical specifications, and production deadlines for enrollment marketing initiatives.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training,
• Bachelor's degree in related field (Design or Communication preferred) from an accredited institution. (Preferred)
• 2 years experience of art training and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and ability essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Experience copy-editing and proofing written creative content. (Preferred)
• Experience in producing comps based on communication needs for all mediums. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough interpersonal communication skills. (Preferred)
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication and presentation skills. (Preferred)
• Good understanding of the university, including vision, mission, goals, and objectives. (Preferred)
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite. (Preferred)
• Proficiency in design, creativity, and demonstrates an artistic skill set. (Preferred)
• Ability to understand and communicate the brand guidelines. (Preferred)
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment. (Preferred)
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. (Preferred)
• Ability to coordinate with multiple teams and balance multiple projects. (Preferred)
• Excellent organizational and follow through skills. (Preferred)
• Out-of-the-box thinking and ability to effectively overcome obstacles. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of print design and production (Preferred)
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment (Preferred)
• Experience with digital photography (Preferred)
• Basic knowledge of design and communications concepts. (Preferred)
• Basic knowledge of communication principles and formats; ability to identify, set and articulate design standards. (Preferred)
• Basic understanding of branding principles, particularly as they relate to graphic identity and design standards; ability to interpret brand guidelines: choose colors, fonts, imagery, illustrations, diagrams, etc., that represent the brand.
• Basic ability to design for the media; ability to understand page read, user-interface flow, and mechanics; awareness of web conventions and constraints.
• Basic ability to produce aesthetically sophisticated work.
• Basic knowledge of printing and production processes.
• Learns to understand communication needs based on nature of project, budget and objectives.
• Basic knowledge of the computer systems and related desktop publishing and imaging hardware and software.
• Ability to learn processes, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations for communications.
• Able to work independently on multiple projects.
• Demonstrated copywriting, proofreading and editing skills.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.