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Job Description

Assistant Vice President for University Communications

University Communications

Job Summary

This position is responsible for supervisinga two-person department focused on graphic design services for the university community. This position also is responsible for management of project bids from printers and other vendors.

Reports to:Associate Vice President for University Communications

Supervises:Graphic Design Specialist

Essential Job Functions
  1. Meet or exceed the high standard of excellence associated with Union University publications.
  1. Design or oversee the design of all submitted printing projects, including instructional, promotional, and marketing materials. Conceive ideas, concepts, approaches, and campaigns.
  1. Serve with other Office of University Communications staff to meet the needs of campus clients (university departments) with projects, from concept to completion, giving special attention to the needs of the Office of the President, University Relations, and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts for presentation to and review by internal clients.
  1. Assist in maintaining Union University’s visual identity, evaluating projects for compliance and updating the Visual Identity Guide to ensure proper branding of the university.
  1. Stay current with design trends, and participate in professional organizations as production schedules allow.
  1. Coordinate relationships with printing vendors and manage all printing contracts for service.Design or oversee design of all submitted printing projects.
  1. Solicit, collect and evaluate printing project bids, and make strong recommendations based on quality and price.
  1. Supervise the Graphic Design Specialist position in Creative Services, working closely and cooperatively to produce quality work on deadline.
  1. Perform press checks on any projects requiring extra quality control.
  1. Manage the design work of freelancers and part-time Union personnel.
  1. Provide design support as needed to the Web Development Agent.
  1. Complete other duties as may be assigned by the Associate Vice President for University Communications and Senior Vice President for University Relations or University President.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree ,preferably in design, and at least five years of successful design experience with a company, agency, publication or institution.

Preference will be given to applicants with the capacity to work in a deadline-oriented, fast-paced environment; ability to provide primary purchasing expertise for the Office of University Communications; proven skills in working with students and volunteers; professional work habits; a team-oriented attitude; knowledge of the printing industry is preferred; and a willingness to represent Union University to its constituencies in a professional and effective manner. Computer experience that includes InDesign, Quark Xpress, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and MS Word is also required.

Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local church, enthusiastically support Union University’s Identity, Mission and Core Values, and articulate a Christian worldview in their work and life.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: fundamentals of design and layout; esthetic design concepts; image development; logo design; software including InDesign, Quark Xpress, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and MS Word;font management; preparing files for pre-press distribution; AP style and other journalism and editing rules; public relations principles, laws and ethics (including copyright and trade marking), and marketing.

Skills in: managing and supervising graphic staff; design and layout; editing; conducting research; graphic arts; customer service; budgeting; and negotiating bids for services.

Ability to: communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; plan, organize, and coordinate multiple projects; meet deadlines, work with and evaluate printers, adapt to change quickly, and have an attention for detail.

Physical Requirements

The work performed by this position is of a general office/administrative nature. It requires the ability to operate a computer, and communicate on the telephone and in writing. Work performed does require some walking on campus, extended periods of time sitting, and some daily instances of bending, stooping, and carrying items up to 50 pounds. Some travel is also required.

The above description is not intended to be an "all-inclusive" list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described nor are they intended to be a complete listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job. The incumbent in this position is expected to perform other duties as assigned.