Integrated Graphic Designer at the Office of Communications

Job Title: Integrated Graphic Designer
Department: Office of Communications
Grade: above grade 12

Basic Functions: Works with the creative and production units to ensure design integrity of all products produced by the Office of Communications. Creates and applies design concepts to brand and marketing material. Candidates are expected to have expertise and experience in a variety of areas across multiple platforms. They need to be flexible enough to adapt design solutions for both print and digital. They will be required to be able to shift from skills such as type or layout to motion graphics, 2D animation, and video editing. Monitors print house production (on-site when necessary) and works with printers and suppliers to maintain quality control. Maintains working relationships with internal AUB clients and ensures customer satisfaction. Communicates expectations to clients with respect to associated timelines, requirements, editorial and design guidelines, and official procedures.

Duties Performed:

•  Assimilates core values and strategic goals of the university in order to translate them through design into effective and coherent communication messages.
• Designs all types of print and display materials (such as brochures, flyers, advertisements, booklets, catalogs, posters, cards, books, periodicals, promotional items, signs, banners,
• pennants, etc.) according to the university's established visual identity system and philosophy.  Works on the design side of digital content such as websites, e-newsletters, presentations, digital screens. Edits video clips and works on videos montages. Animates graphics and typography and creates vivid visual effects to bring life to their production.
• Works, follows up, and finalizes publications towards final production and prepress phase.
• Provides concepts and visual tools to assist the clients in achieving strategic goals.
• Prepares appropriate printing specifications for each designed material in coordination with the production person in charge.
• Maintains close working relationship with vendors, printers, photographers, and freelance designers; evaluates vendor bids and quality of delivered products.
• Assists in assessing short-term and long-term strategies and goals that will enable the creative unit to efficiently and effectively accommodate client needs with regard to budget and timeline.
• Confirms that commonly recognized publishing standards are applied to official publications.
• Keeps abreast of current technologies, trends, and practices in layout and design.
• Familiarizes with and maintains the system for organizing, archiving, and retrieving photos, design materials, and project source files.
• Follows up to make sure that any design equipment's technical/hardware problems are resolved.
• Familiarizes the team members with design software when necessary.
• Performs other relevant tasks associated with design, artwork, and relevant printing and technology-assisted productions.

Work Contacts:

Works closely with the creative and production units to ensure design integrity of all products produced by the Office of Communications. Collaborates with the coordinators, events unit, creative unit (photo and video), the media unit, and the digital unit. Establishes and maintains close working relationship with AUB clients, in addition to vendors, printers, photographers, and freelance designers.

Independence of Operation:

Reports to the Director of Creative Services.

Works according to established policies and professional standards. Completed work is subject to subsequent review.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Oversees work of part-time and freelance designers in addition to work-study interns when required.

Physical Effort:

Minimal

Work Conditions:

Clean and pleasant

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or closely related field with five to seven years of experience in design/publications/motion graphics studios. A good and robust prepress experience is essential, in addition to high skills in animation and motion graphic design.
• Excellent command of design, image manipulation/retouching, and publishing software, in addition to motion graphics, animation, and video editing software (Adobe Creative Suite).
• Highly creative individual, up-to-date with the latest design and visual trends.
• Ability to interpret preferences of clients into effective visuals, consistent with the university-wide design philosophy and branding strategy.
• Must understand how photography fits within the overall design stage and be convincing in explaining concepts and designs to others.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Good communication skills to work well with customers and others involved with design projects, including production coordinators, editors, photographers, printers, and other designers.
• Highly organized individual and familiar with archiving/indexing infrastructure.
• Fluent in English. Arabic is a definite plus, particularly type and calligraphy-related design skills.