Visual Communications Designer

San Jose, CA (On-site)

$6K/mo – $7K/moMid Level3+ years expFull time

Posted 4 months ago

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Job Summary

Drive design concepts and production of print, web, and motion graphics for CSU branding and campus communications.

  • Must-have: 3+ years in graphic design with Adobe Creative Suite and AfterEffects
  • Own design direction and final production-ready materials across print, web, and video
  • Standout: ability to collaborate with campus clients and mentor junior designers

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Develop design concepts by researching project information and materials; create layouts for art and copy; present draft concepts for approval; and prepare final production-ready designs.
  • Design visual materials—including charts, graphs, diagrams, and motion graphics—for use in presentations, videos, events, and other communications.
  • Select and apply appropriate visual elements, including imagery, typography, and layout styles, ensuring alignment with university brand standards and communication goals.
  • Consult with campus clients to understand project objectives, audiences, and messaging needs, and develop design solutions that effectively support those goals.
  • Test and review presentation or time-based outputs to ensure quality, functionality, and client satisfaction.
  • Assist in developing, documenting, and presenting design and production standards that support consistent visual communications across the university.
  • Contribute to the development and organization of campus visual resources and digital asset libraries.
  • Recommend improvements to creative workflows, file management practices, and production processes.
  • Assist with print and environmental production specifications, including preparing materials for cost estimates and vendor quotes.
  • Under the guidance of the Associate Director of Creative Services or Senior Designer/Art Director, provide creative direction to student assistants, designers, photographers, or other contributors as assigned.
  • Conduct vendor or printer checks as needed to ensure quality control of final output.
  • Participate in occasional evening or weekend work when required to support production schedules or events.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent, in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field of study
  • Three years of full-time experience with graphic application and publishing tools
  • Extensive knowledge of communications and graphic design theory, typography, color, tone, shading, harmony, and layout principles
  • Advanced skills in graphic art, illustration, motion graphics, animation timing, and integrated print/digital/motion media
  • Strong ability to conceptualize, design, and execute complementary materials across print, web, video, and emerging technologies
  • Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (including AfterEffects), presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi), and interactive technologies, including file formats, peripheral software, and graphics delivery
  • Knowledge of production techniques, vendor services, and processes for print, broadcast, compressed video, and web content
  • Thorough understanding of copyright laws and Section 508 accessibility standards
  • Ability to implement art direction, manage post-production processes, and adapt creative concepts in response to feedback or evolving project requirements
  • Strong skills in project planning, organization, and budget management; ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
  • Strong consultative and persuasive skills, including presenting branding and design concepts to clients and partners
  • Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, flexibility, and composure under pressure

Preferred

  • BFA in Design or related field
  • Two to five years in an institution or creative agency
  • Time-based (AI), presentation and video editing experience
  • Experience creating graphic resource or pattern library and its many applications and uses

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of base salary.
The California State University logo

The California State University

The California State University is the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 22 campuses, 56,000 faculty and staff and more than 450,000 students.Created in 1960, the mission of the CSU is to provide high-quality, affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of California. With its commitment to quality, opportunity, and student success, the CSU is renowned for superb teaching, innovative research and for producing job-ready graduates. The CSU powers California and the nation, sending nearly 127,000 career-ready graduates into the workforce each year. In fact, one in every 20 Americans holding a college degree earned it at the CSU and our alumni are 4 million strong.

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