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Multimedia Designer

University of Chicago
Full-time
On-site
United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Multimedia Designer

πŸ”Ή Company: University of Chicago

πŸ”Ή Location: Chicago, IL

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Communications

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-05-22

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading the visual strategy for the Institute of Climate and Sustainable Growth
  • Building and maintaining a compelling and consistent brand
  • Designing and producing visual content for web, email, social media, and print platforms
  • Creating highlight videos of the Institute’s research, education, and outreach efforts
  • Managing multimedia equipment and digital asset library

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong combination of creative and brand-building skills, as well as an eye for detail and aesthetics. The ideal candidate will have experience in graphic design and video production, with a background in multimedia journalism or a related role being beneficial.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Leads in the design, development, and production of digital and print materials, including marketing and fundraising resources, reports, research briefs, program collateral, promotional flyers, social graphics, e-mail campaigns, and other assets

βœ… Produces compelling and professional highlight videos of the Institute’s research, education, and outreach efforts, from start to end production

βœ… Contracts, manages, and provides technical and aesthetic oversight of audio, video, livestream, lighting, and photography vendors for Institute events or other projects, and produces highlight reels

βœ… Manages the Institute’s digital asset library and advises on new software and online platforms for producing cutting-edge and customizable visual materials

βœ… Oversees the Institute’s multimedia equipment, ensuring its proper maintenance, care, and repair, and advises on updated equipment as needed

βœ… Ensures that graphic projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the user's satisfaction

ASSUMPTION: The Multimedia Designer will work both independently with a high degree of initiative and collaboratively as part of a team. They will manage and prioritize job tasks, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field

Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in Canva and Adobe Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere)
  • Familiarity with front-end web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Svelte or other development frameworks)
  • Knowledge of current trends and best practices in graphic design, video production, and data visualization techniques

Preferred Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, multimedia/video production, or a related field
  • Some background in multimedia journalism, in a multifaceted position as part of a creative agency, strategic communications firm, or digital news media outlet, or a related role

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, the University of Chicago may consider candidates with equivalent experience and a proven track record in graphic design and video production.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Health, retirement, and paid time off

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Multimedia Designer role with the given experience level and location. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: The University of Chicago is a research university with a strong focus on academic excellence and innovation. The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) serves as a hub for cutting-edge analysis and research across the entire University of Chicago economics community.

Company Size: The University of Chicago has a large and diverse student body, with over 17,000 students enrolled across its various colleges and schools. The BFI has a smaller team, with 11-50 employees.

Founded: The University of Chicago was founded in 1890, with the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics being established in 2014.

Company Description:

  • The University of Chicago is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and harassment
  • The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law
  • The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off

Company Specialties:

  • Economics
  • Public Policy
  • Research
  • and Higher Education

Company Website: bfi.uchicago.edu

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago is a prestigious research institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) serves as a hub for cutting-edge analysis and research across the entire University of Chicago economics community, uniting researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School in an unparalleled effort to uncover new ways of thinking about economics.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a significant amount of experience in graphic design and video production

Reporting Structure: The Multimedia Designer will report to the Senior Director of Communications, Marketing and External Engagement

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the primary work location being the University of Chicago's Hyde Park Campus in Chicago, IL

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to grow within the communications team or the broader University of Chicago organization
  • Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with renowned researchers and faculty
  • Chance to develop skills in new areas, such as multimedia journalism or strategic communications

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. The Multimedia Designer will have the chance to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with renowned researchers and faculty, contributing to the University's mission of advancing society’s understanding of our energy and climate future.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The University of Chicago has a traditional on-campus office environment, with a mix of individual and collaborative workspaces

Office Location(s): The primary work location for this role is the University of Chicago's Hyde Park Campus in Chicago, IL

Geographic Context:

  • Chicago, IL is a large and diverse city with a vibrant cultural scene and numerous attractions
  • The Hyde Park neighborhood, where the University of Chicago is located, is known for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and diverse community
  • The University of Chicago is situated near Lake Michigan, offering easy access to beaches, parks, and recreational activities

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break. The University of Chicago offers flexible work arrangements, including part-time and remote work options, depending on the role and the needs of the department.

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment, with a mix of individual and collaborative workspaces. The Hyde Park neighborhood, where the University of Chicago is located, is known for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and diverse community. The University of Chicago is situated near Lake Michigan, offering easy access to beaches, parks, and recreational activities.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission through the University of Chicago's careers website
  • Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or a member of the communications team
  • On-campus or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
  • Background check and reference check
  • Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Portfolio of graphic design and video production work
  • Interview questions focused on creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and collaboration skills
  • Assessment of cultural fit and alignment with the University of Chicago's mission and values

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Include a portfolio of your graphic design and video production work, showcasing your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to tell a story through visuals
  • Prepare for interview questions focused on your creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and collaboration skills, as well as your cultural fit and alignment with the University of Chicago's mission and values

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Video Production, Brand Building, Adobe Cloud, Canva, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Multimedia Journalist, Strategic Communications, Creative Agency, Higher Education

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role. The University of Chicago uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and applicants are encouraged to include relevant keywords in their resume to improve their chances of being matched with the role.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Adobe Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere)
  • Canva
  • Front-end web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Svelte or other development frameworks)
  • Multimedia equipment (cameras, microphones, lighting, and audio-visual equipment)

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago provides the necessary tools and technologies for the Multimedia Designer to perform their job effectively. The University of Chicago may also provide training and development opportunities to help the Multimedia Designer expand their skills and knowledge in graphic design, video production, and related areas.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Excellence in research and education
  • Collaboration and interdisciplinary approach
  • Inclusion and diversity
  • Integrity and accountability

Work Style:

  • Creative and innovative
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Attention to detail and quality-focused
  • Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you approach visual storytelling, and how have you used your skills to communicate complex ideas through visuals in previous roles?
  • How do you balance creativity and aesthetics with brand consistency and messaging in your graphic design work?
  • How do you collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure that your multimedia work meets their needs and expectations?

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago values excellence in research and education, collaboration and interdisciplinary approach, inclusion and diversity, integrity and accountability. The University of Chicago seeks candidates who are creative and innovative, collaborative and team-oriented, attention to detail and quality-focused, and adaptable and responsive to change. The University of Chicago encourages candidates to reflect on their work style and cultural fit in relation to the University's values and mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Balancing creative and brand-building skills with attention to detail and aesthetics
  • Working collaboratively with team members and stakeholders to ensure that multimedia work meets their needs and expectations
  • Adapting to changes in technology, trends, and best practices in graphic design and video production

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. However, the Multimedia Designer role may present challenges in managing multiple projects and deadlines, balancing creative and brand-building skills with attention to detail and aesthetics, working collaboratively with team members and stakeholders, and adapting to changes in technology, trends, and best practices in graphic design and video production.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Multimedia Designer roles in higher education institutions may focus more on branding and visual communication for academic research and outreach efforts, while similar roles in creative agencies or strategic communications firms may focus more on branding and visual communication for corporate clients or marketing campaigns
  • Multimedia Designer roles in higher education institutions may require a deeper understanding of academic research and outreach efforts, while similar roles in creative agencies or strategic communications firms may require a broader range of industry-specific knowledge and expertise
  • Multimedia Designer roles in higher education institutions may offer opportunities for professional growth and development within the academic community, while similar roles in creative agencies or strategic communications firms may offer opportunities for career advancement within the agency or firm, or in related fields such as marketing, advertising, or public relations

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago's Multimedia Designer role is unique in its focus on visual strategy and branding for an academic research institute, with opportunities for professional growth and development within the academic community. However, candidates should consider the specific requirements and opportunities of similar roles in creative agencies or strategic communications firms, as well as their personal career goals and aspirations.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Creating a visual identity for a new research initiative or academic program
  • Designing and producing a promotional video for an upcoming conference or event
  • Developing a series of infographics to communicate complex data or research findings

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago's Multimedia Designer role offers a wide range of creative and challenging projects, from visual identity development and branding to promotional video production and data visualization. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their skills and experience in these areas, as well as their ability to work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders to ensure that their multimedia work meets their needs and expectations.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the most pressing visual communication challenges facing the Institute of Climate and Sustainable Growth, and how can this role help address them?
  • How does the University of Chicago support the professional development and growth of its Multimedia Designer?
  • What opportunities are there for collaboration with other departments or research institutes within the University of Chicago?
  • How does the University of Chicago measure the success of its multimedia projects, and how can this role contribute to that success?
  • What is the University of Chicago's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role fit into that approach?

ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago encourages candidates to ask thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process, demonstrating their interest in the role and their commitment to the University's mission and values. Candidates should focus on understanding the specific requirements and opportunities of the Multimedia Designer role, as well as the University of Chicago's approach to professional development, collaboration, and work-life balance.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the University of Chicago's careers website
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Include a portfolio of your graphic design and video production work, showcasing your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to tell a story through visuals
  • Prepare for interview questions focused on your creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and collaboration skills, as well as your cultural fit and alignment with the University of Chicago's mission and values
  • Follow up with the hiring manager or a member of the communications team within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.