Senior Graphic Designer

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Senior Graphic Designer

Job Profile Title

Designer, Publications Senior

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Director, News Publications, the Senior Graphic Designer oversees graphic design for all University Communication’s publications and websites, including Penn Today web, social, and newsletter content; Research at Penn print publications, and other print and digital materials. The Designer generates ideas for creative storytelling and will collaborate with the editorial team, as well as web development, social media, photography and videography, to build and maintain a Penn-branded, forward-focused visual assets.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Develop materials for and work with senior leadership on a marketing strategy for the Penn Today redesign campaign.
• Collaborate with editorial, photo, and video teams on dynamic digital storytelling, including layout and design of content.
• Develop infographics for websites, stories, presentations, and social media.
• Collaborate with others on image selection, stock image selection, and photo editing.
• Collaborate on continuous improvement of website(s) with the web development and editorial teams and ensure design continuity of content across various digital platforms.
• Work with media and news teams to continuously improve newsletter design.
• Ensure visual continuity of social media with Penn Today website and newsletters; produce and oversee design process of visual social media content on Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social platforms.
• Create ads, graphics, and design content for special projects, as needed.
• Create Penn Today-branded video assets (intro, outro, credits, lower thirds).
• Manage design process of Research at Penn from start to finish, including sourcing and overseeing print production and distribution.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; and
• 3-5 years of experience as a graphic designer or similar creative marketing roles, preferably in higher education; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills. 
• Ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated project management skills, ability to set and meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Demonstrated experience with Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, MailChimp, Canto, and other design platforms.

Application Requirement:  

In addition to a resume/CV, a cover letter is required to be considered for this position. Multiple documents are allowed. Please include a link to a portfolio in your cover letter or upload a digital portfolio or relevant materials.

Hybrid Eligible:

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a maximum of two days working remotely.

Remote Eligible: This position may be considered for remote work, with some on-campus meetings as needed.

About University Communications:

University Communications is Penn’s central office for University news, media relations, visual identity, and public affairs. The office expands and enhances Penn’s visibility locally, nationally, and internationally, while promoting and reinforcing Penn’s reputation as a world-renowned research university. University Communications tells Penn’s story, highlighting the accomplishments of faculty, staff, and students across myriad communications platforms, both traditional and emerging.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

President's Center

Pay Range

$43,919.00 - $85,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay 

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