The University of Iowa Alumni Association (UIAA) is the trusted resource for all loyal Hawkeyes who want to remain engaged with the University of Iowa community. We have an exciting opportunity for an individual who values identifying creative ways to display our story in ways that will strengthen the university through alumni engagement.

The Graphic Specialist will conceptualize, design, and maintain UIAA print and digital communications with a primary focus on Iowa Alumni Magazine, as well as various UIAA communication materials such as event brochures, post cards, travel catalog, program booklets, signs, displays, premiums, HTML newsletters, emails, and others.

Concept and Brand Identity

• Develop concepts, components, and standards for small- to mid- scale messaging campaigns. Create concepts or products directed at specific audiences using available research.
• Conceptualize, design, and maintain UIAA communications, both print and electronic.
• Assist in magazine planning and coordinate in-house production.
• Work with the communications team to oversee the visual identity of the UIAA, advising programmers and other Association staff to keep a professional and consistent brand for the UIAA and The University of Iowa.

Media and Materials Creation

• Design for multiple media (e.g., print and web). Develop coordinated projects that may include print materials, web designs, and other media.
• Design and layout alumni magazine (print and digital) to create and effective visual presentation that makes it easy for readers to access information.
• Design and produce UIAA print communications from concept to completion.
• Conceptualize, schedule, and direct photo shoots.
• Identify freelance photographers and/or artists to produce art for Iowa Alumni Magazine and other communication materials.

Project and Production Management

• Develop concepts for photography and illustration in collaboration with colleagues or freelancers. Propose concepts and respond to client feedback. Provide specs to service units or external vendors. Oversee print production.
• Schedule and direct photo shoots.
• Develop print and electronic materials from concept to completion.
• Work with prepress and print vendors on a regular basis to manage production details for Iowa Alumni Magazine and various other internal projects.
• Write bid specifications for various UIAA publications/print pieces and evaluate bids to secure the best and most cost-effective product.
• Oversee the magazine budget in conjunction with the editor.
• Assist in magazine planning and coordinate in-house production.
• Work with staff to secure advertising materials, make ad placements in Iowa Alumni Magazine, and ensure that advertisers’ needs/requests are considered.
• Review and approve press proofs for magazine and other print pieces.

Supervision/Leadership

• May provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved for students/temporary staff.
• Work with communication’s team to oversee the visual identity of the UIAA, advising programmers and other Association staff to keep a professional and consistent brand.
• Identify suppliers that can product print pieces, premiums, and other materials needed by the organization and counsel staff to select best options.

Universal Competencies

Positive Impact/Achieving Results (Basic)

• Ability to utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals/needs.
• Able to demonstrate ethical behavior in diverse situations while producing results.

Service Excellence/Customer Focus (Basic)

• Ability to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.
• Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers.

Collaboration and Embracing Diversity (Basic).

• Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals from varied cultures, race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Technical Competencies

Creativity (Working)

• Knowledge of the approaches, tools, and techniques for promoting creative, original thinking and ability to apply it to a variety of business situations.

Graphic Design (Working)

• Knowledge of an ability to apply design principles to the development and publication of organizational information.

Print Publishing (Working)

• Knowledge of the printing processes, tools, and techniques to design various graphic communication materials.

Organizational Communication (Working)

• Knowledge of and ability to utilize the means, tools, techniques and media to communicate information about the organization internally and externally.

Brand Management (Working)

• Knowledge of, and ability to use tools and processes for creating and maintaining a marketing approach to promoting the company or a product line.

The qualifications for this job posting are described as competencies or behaviors needed to be able to perform the duties of the position at a defined proficiency level/standard. The proficiency level required for each qualification is indicated. For a complete definition of the proficiency levels, click on the proficiency level above.

Please note regarding references: Five professional references will be requested and required at a later step in the recruitment process.

The qualifications for this job posting are described as competencies or behaviors needed to be able to perform the duties of the position at a defined proficiency level/standard. The proficiency level required for each qualification is indicated. For a complete definition of the proficiency levels, click on the proficiency level above.

Please note regarding references: Five professional references will be requested and required at a later step in the recruitment process.

As part of performing the key areas of responsibility and competencies described above, staff members are expected to meet reasonable standards of work quality and quantity, as well as expectations for attendance established by their supervisor. Staff members are also expected to comply with policies governing employee responsibilities and conduct, including those contained in the University Operations Manual.