📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Marketing and Branding Designer
🔹 Company: Grand Valley State University
🔹 Location: Allendale Charter Township, Michigan, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-29
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading design efforts and collaborating with cross-department teams to deliver effective marketing solutions
- Supervising other designers and providing training to team and student employees
- Ensuring design quality, effectiveness of communication objectives, and adherence to university standards and marketing messages
- Finding innovative ways to accomplish strategic goals while maintaining effective deliverables and efficiencies in time spent designing projects
- Helping develop and maintain design standards and brand identity
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with various teams and ensure consistent branding across all marketing materials.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and produce deliverables for internal and external audiences, including ads (static and animated), websites, social media graphics, brochures, posters, banners, reports, magazines, invitations, viewbooks, and digital components in collaboration with the project team
✅ Research, strategic concept development, problem-solving, and presenting design solutions to university clients
✅ Design-supervising other staff graphic designers as assigned by supervisor
✅ Performing other duties as required/assigned by leadership
ASSUMPTION: The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, managing deadlines, and providing guidance to junior designers.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field
Experience: A minimum of 7 years of experience in graphic design and production demonstrating strong, human-centered design skills
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
- Experience in UI (User Interface) design, specifically creating the visual layout of digital interfaces while collaborating with UX designers and Developers to ensure aesthetics also provide an optimal user experience
- Experience in basic animation skills for advertisements and social media
- Experience with performing press checks to meet critical color reproduction standards
- Ability to analyze personal expertise & skills against current business needs, industry trends, and external best practices
- Knowledge of print and web accessibility standards
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in higher education
- Knowledge of best practices and design of social media graphics
- Ability to direct photoshoots
- Knowledge of video production
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it is assumed that candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their design skills and experience in various marketing and branding projects.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The minimum starting salary is $80,000, commensurate with experience. The salary range has been estimated based on industry standards for senior graphic designers in higher education and the location of the university.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, and tuition waiver effective on date of hire
Working Hours: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive and competitive for the higher education industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education. Grand Valley State University is a public university focused on providing a high-quality, affordable education to a diverse student body.
Company Size: 51-200 employees. This size allows for a more personal work environment and closer collaboration among teams.
Founded: The university was founded in 1963 and has since grown to offer over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Company Description:
- Grand Valley State University is committed to empowering innovation through computing excellence, offering cutting-edge programs in applied computer science, computer science, cybersecurity, data science and analytics, health informatics and bioinformatics, information systems, and information technology
- The College of Computing prides itself on its strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable internship opportunities and real-world experience
- The university is dedicated to shaping the future of technology and its impact on the community and beyond, with a focus on preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving digital world
Company Specialties:
- Computing
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science and Analytics
- Health Informatics and Bioinformatics
- Distributed Computing
- Software Engineering
- Web and Mobile Computing
- K-12 Outreach
- Computer Science
- Applied Research and Development
- Industry Engagement
- STEM Talent Pipeline
- Talent Upskilling
- Experiential Education
- Preparation of Highly Qualified Graduates
- Professional Science Masters
- Applied Computing
- Design
- Optimization
- Evaluation and Redesign
- Undergraduate Degrees
- Graduate Degrees
- Professional Development
- Adult Education
- Higher Education
- Community Engagement
- Innovation
- Relevant Curriculum
- Industry Co-op, Internships, and Senior Projects
- Nearly 100% Employment Upon Graduation
Company Website: gvsu.edu
ASSUMPTION: Grand Valley State University is focused on providing a high-quality education and fostering innovation through its computing programs. The university values collaboration and partnerships with local businesses to provide real-world experience for its students.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior. This role is a senior-level position that requires extensive experience and leadership in graphic design and branding.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Marketing and Branding Designer will report directly to the leadership of the College of Computing and may supervise other graphic designers.
Work Arrangement: On-site. This role requires working on-site at the university's campus in Allendale, Michigan.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to their professional development
- Opportunity to collaborate with various teams across the university and expand design skills and knowledge
- Possibility to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the College of Computing
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development, both in terms of design skills and leadership abilities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus. The office is located on the campus of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.
Office Location(s): 1 Campus Dr, C-2-100 Mackinac Hall, Allendale, Michigan 49401, US
Geographic Context:
- The university is located in a suburban area, offering a mix of residential and commercial development
- The campus is situated near several parks and recreational facilities, providing opportunities for outdoor activities
- The university is located approximately 15 miles west of Grand Rapids, offering access to urban amenities and cultural attractions
Work Schedule: Standard full-time workweek, with potential for flexible hours and overtime during peak periods
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is collaborative and dynamic, with a focus on innovation and continuous learning. The location offers a mix of suburban and urban amenities, providing a balance between work and personal life.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- On-site interview with the hiring team
- Portfolio review and presentation
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Design skills and portfolio
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with university values
- Leadership and supervisory skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your design skills and experience in marketing and branding projects
- Be prepared to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you ensure design quality and effectiveness
- Research the university and its values to demonstrate your understanding of the institution and your alignment with its mission
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Branding, Marketing, UI Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking, Higher Education
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experiences through a comprehensive portfolio and strong interview performance.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Basic animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects)
- UI design tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Version control systems (e.g., Git)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and have basic experience with animation software. Familiarity with UI design tools and project management systems is also beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Continuous Learning
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Student-Centered
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Dynamic
- Creative
- Results-Driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your design skills and experiences align with the university's mission and values?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with a diverse team to deliver a successful marketing project?
- How do you ensure the quality and effectiveness of your design work, particularly when working on multiple projects simultaneously?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate their alignment with the university's values and work style, as well as their ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and manage multiple projects.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Ensuring consistent branding across various marketing materials and platforms
- Balancing creative freedom with adherence to university standards and marketing messages
- Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students
ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges in terms of project management, maintaining consistent branding, and balancing creative freedom with adherence to university standards. However, these challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with stakeholders.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior graphic designer roles, this position may offer more opportunities for collaboration and mentorship, as well as a focus on higher education and institutional branding
- In terms of industry-specific context, higher education institutions often have unique branding requirements and a need for consistent messaging across various marketing materials
- Career path comparison: This role may serve as a stepping stone to leadership positions within the College of Computing or other departments within the university
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and institutional branding within the higher education industry. The career path may lead to leadership positions within the university, providing opportunities for professional growth and development.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand style guide for the College of Computing, including logo design, color schemes, and typography
- Creating a series of animated advertisements for social media platforms, showcasing the university's computing programs and student success stories
- Designing and implementing a user-friendly website for the College of Computing, featuring responsive design and optimized user experience
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of design skills and experiences required for this role, as well as the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that showcase the university's computing programs and student success.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the university's brand identity and how this role contributes to its maintenance and evolution?
- How does the College of Computing collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to ensure consistent branding across all marketing materials?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the College of Computing?
- How does the university support work-life balance for its employees?
- Can you provide an example of a time when the university successfully implemented a new branding initiative, and what role did the Senior Marketing and Branding Designer play in its execution?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help candidates better understand the role, the university's branding initiatives, and the opportunities for professional growth and development within the College of Computing.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your design skills and experience in marketing and branding projects
- Be prepared to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you ensure design quality and effectiveness during your interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Rick Luce, within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
