Visual Graphic Designer

The Office of Communications is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Graphic Designer to join its team. This position is responsible for designing visual materials and copy layouts for a wide range of print and digital media. The Graphic Designer works closely with departmental managers and internal clients to develop, advise on, and execute design solutions that support communication goals, brand standards, and project objectives. This role is responsible for creating high-quality visual materials, reviewing final artwork for accuracy and quality, and supporting the overall effectiveness of design projects. The Graphic Designer may also provide project-based guidance to others, including student workers, and reports to the Associate Director of Communications. Key Responsibilities Design art and copy layouts for a variety of visual media, including illustrations, publications, graphs, charts, brochures, certificates, flyers, posters, slide presentations, and related materials. Develop creative design concepts and visual solutions that align with departmental goals, project requirements, and established design standards. Prepare presentation graphics for slides, digital presentations, and other visual communication platforms. Use design and publishing software to manipulate images, prepare layouts, and create computerized typeset documents. Produce a variety of freehand artwork, including drawings, illustrations, logos, and related creative assets. Determine the size, arrangement, and placement of illustrations, graphics, and copy based on space availability, layout principles, and design concepts. Select appropriate type styles, font sizes, colors, formats, and design elements to support clear and visually effective communication. Work with advertising, marketing, and communications representatives to integrate copy and graphics effectively. Review and proof final artwork before submission, checking for accuracy, design quality, color, formatting, alignment, and legibility. Monitor the effectiveness and quality of final design products and recommend improvements as needed. Develop design specifications for work produced by others and provide guidance to support consistency and quality. Work closely with a small team of student workers by assigning design tasks, reviewing work, proofing materials, and submitting completed projects for review. Lead or support design projects on a project-by-project basis, as needed. Preferred Skills and Qualifications Strong knowledge of layout principles, typography, color, composition, and visual design concepts. Experience creating print and digital design materials for a variety of audiences and platforms. Proficiency with design, publishing, image-editing, and page layout software. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail. Excellent proofreading skills and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal clients, departmental managers, marketing representatives, and student workers. Ability to provide creative direction, feedback, and task coordination on a project basis. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative communications team. Application Requirement Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of your application. In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values. The hourly range for this position is $25.88- $30.45. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. #LI-AW1 Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Understanding of design issues, including browser usability and cross-platform compatibility. Solid foundation in studio design, typography, printing and layout. Work experience as a visual/graphic designer covering all aspects of artwork preparation, printing, and website creation. Requires thorough knowledge of typography, printing processes, selection of paper or other printing surfaces, and paper folding, binding and finishing. Knowledge of desktop publishing systems and specialized equipment related to periodical production. USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$147588.htmld USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city – responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region – we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work. Application help If you need assistance during the application process, see our application help. (If you already work for USC, see Your USC career.) At any point you may also contact our HR Service Center for help at (213) 821-8100 or uschr@usc.edu. Don't see the dream job you are looking for? Drop off your contact information and resume and we will reach out to you if we find the perfect fit!