• A cover letter, resume, and portfolio are required for consideration for this position. The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and highlight related skills and experience.
• The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing employees with flexible work opportunities. This position will generally be expected to work in the office 3-4 days/week.
   

The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy's Marketing & Communications Office is responsible for advancing the School's visibility and reputation with prospective students, alumni, donors, academic and policy communities, and other audiences.

We are looking for a creative, collaborative Graphic Designer to help us achieve our mission. You will design and produce creative, strategic Ford School communications material, including print and digital brochures, videos, posters, ad campaigns, web content, social graphics, brand elements, and other collateral. You will report to the Director of Marketing & Communications.
The Ford School is one of the nation's foremost policy schools, housed at one of the world's great public universities. We are a community dedicated to the public good. We inspire and prepare leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policymaking to take on our communities' and our world's most pressing challenges. To learn more about the Ford School, read About Us.
 

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Paid parental leave
   

Design and Creative Development (50%)

• Develop and execute creative design concepts that align with the Ford School's branding and storytelling goals, helping to convey complex policy ideas in visually compelling ways.
• Leverage and expand the boundaries of the Ford School's strong brand identity to bring our storytelling to visual life.
• Create a wide variety of print and digital materials using Adobe Creative Suite and other design software, including brochures, banners, infographics, social media graphics, and more.
• Innovate within brand guidelines to produce fresh and engaging materials that enhance the School's visibility and reputation.

Project Management (25%)

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, utilizing project management tools such as Monday.com or Asana to track progress, manage resources, and ensure timely delivery of design assets.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with stakeholders regarding timelines, progress, and deliverables through regular updates and status reports.
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications and other team members to align design strategies with marketing objectives.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers for printing and production needs, ensuring adherence to project specifications and schedules.

Consultation and Support (15%)

• Provide expert advice and support on design-related inquiries, including logo usage, template design, photography, and more.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and administrative staff across various departments to fulfill design needs and ensure consistency in branding.
• Train and guide team members on design best practices and software tools if necessary.

Continuous Improvement and Research (10%) 

• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to keep the School's design output current and innovative.
• Evaluate and recommend new tools and techniques to enhance design efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collect feedback on design work and make iterative improvements to meet audience needs and preferences.
   

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Fine Arts, or related degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of professional experience in graphic design.
• Experience with Adobe CS and other design software and technologies, including After Effects.
• Strong writing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage time to meet deadlines.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.