The Sr. Graphic Designer leads the creative communications process for Pepperdine and it's five schools. As part of the University Communications team, this position is responsible for the most complex and elaborate of Pepperdine's high profile communications pieces and serves as key communication liaison for the team. Working directly with the marketers and communicators, the Sr. Graphic Designer helps shape and communicate the Pepperdine brand for the purposes of national reputation, recruitment, and affinity building through the university's collateral in print, web, and broadcast. The Sr. Graphic Designer reports to the Assistant Director of Creative and may provide mentoring to Graphic Designers as well as art direction to outside providers. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Creative, the Sr. Graphic Designer differs from the Graphic Designer in that they will lead the development of concepts and design work for the most important communications vehicles and campaigns such as university magazines, the annual report, University Web sites, and other pieces specifically in support of University branding and marketing projects. The Sr. Graphic Designer may also be called upon to develop graphic marks, wordmarks, and branding, as needs arise. In short, the Sr. Graphic Designer will assist the Assistant Director of Creative and Graphic Designer roles in designing major pieces that reach Pepperdine's largest, external audiences. The Sr. Graphic Designer has the tools to create, integrate, analyze, synthesize and visualize vast amounts of information. Should be fluent in technology, social networking, and collaboration techniques. Collaborates with, and assists in guiding the work of, production artists, photographers, illustrators, prepress technicians, printers and anyone else who is involved in the development of a project.

Duties

• University & School Branding Standards: Plays a key role in the strategy, design, and implementation of brand elements for Pepperdine including graphic marks, wordmarks, and branding. Creates color palettes and creative campaigns for Pepperdine's major business units. Makes strategic and tactical recommendations on creative policies and procedures for Pepperdine and its five schools. Ensures that established brand policies are maintained for the university. Conducts research related to branding trends and best practices. Maintains a knowledge base of current design trends and technologies in higher education.
• Client Relationship Management & Support: The Sr. Graphic Designer provides support and expertise in the areas of design and color theory and practice, translation of concept and message into visual, and the composition and production of visual solutions. Responsible for maintaining and applying the highest quality methods and practices required for the design discipline. Provides recommendations for message solutions that best match the desired outcome. Provides consultation regarding design recommendations and process. The Sr. Graphic Designer is accountable for the visual manifestation of the University's mission, vision, and strategy. The Sr. Graphic Designer demonstrates the value of professional design and the importance of it as a strategic tool.
• Committee & Group Participation/Collaboration: Within the IMC team the Sr. Graphic Designer serves as a highly experienced and qualified creative team member, demonstrating leadership skills in the areas of committee and/or group collaborations. Responsible for providing the art direction and concept development components of group/team collaborations with outside vendors such as photographers, artists, service providers, and printers. Serves as the lead designer for the organization, and creative mentor to graphic designer roles.
• Pepperdine Collateral Design: Directly supports the creative communication needs of Pepperdine University. Develops creative strategy and executes integrated communication campaigns that span print, web and broadcast for the institution. Leads the design and production of the flagship communications including magazines, viewbooks, websites, social networking enterprises, etc. Responsible for the art direction and styling of photoshoots. The Sr. Graphic Designer is accountable for the visual manifestation of the University's mission, vision, and strategy. The Sr. Graphic Designer demonstrates the value of professional design and the importance of it as a strategic tool. Required to be versatile in all media and knowledgeable about business, culture, literature, technology and communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required: Minimum of an AA in graphic design with significant career experience. Minimum of 3-5 years of consistent, direct, hands-on employment as a Graphic Designer (excluding freelance) in an advertising agency, corporate in-house organization, or higher education institution. Superior concept development skills. Expert at translating message into visual solution. Strong organizational and collaboration skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Mentoring and cultivating junior designers as needed. Proficient use of Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator). Ability to work with technical data and marketing challenges. Ability to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to work independently as well as on teams. Ability to think strategically and recommend communications strategies, tactics, and messaging. Mac platform. Computer and creative/design hardware/software.

Preferred: BFA or MFA. Formal training in fine art or illustration is a plus. Html, CSS, mobile, and web design experience. Multimedia design experience.

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Regular, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $33.65 - $35.09 per hour 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.