Job # | 042290
Department Code | 21214-2025
Department | School of Management
Job Title | Graphic Designer
Location | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range | $62,400 - $75,000
Pay Determination | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level | S4
FLSA Status | Exempt
Hours | Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type | Full-time
Campus | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code | UA
Job Description | Syracuse University is seeking a confident, imaginative Graphic Designer who thrives in technical environments. In this role, you’ll take the lead in conceptualizing, planning, and creating compelling materials across print, digital, and multimedia platforms. You’ll produce branded assets for websites, banner ads, emails, social media, digital displays, and print, contributing to high-impact projects such as Advancement fundraising pieces, the Whitman Magazine (published twice annually), admissions materials, recruitment brochures, advertisements, and large-scale templates for video walls and interactive boards.
The ideal candidate brings proven experience in multi-channel design, stays current with industry trends, and approaches each project as an opportunity to grow and make a meaningful impact. You’ll collaborate closely with the University’s Marketing division to ensure brand consistency and audience alignment, supporting Syracuse University’s broader brand and marketing strategies through cohesive, compelling design rooted in best practices of brand development and expression. This is a fantastic opportunity for a creative professional who values autonomy, innovation, and collaboration in a mission-driven environment.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.Education and Experience | Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field. Minimum of 4-6 years of professional work-related experience preferred. Must provide a portfolio of material that demonstrates excellence in digital, multimedia design, print and examples of conceptual work within brand guidelines. Must provide a portfolio of material that demonstrates design excellence as part of broader campaigns that yielded tangible results. Portfolio demonstrates technical design experience of concepts and design of digital assets, print ads, printed materials, including but not limited to print ads, websites, banner ads, emails, social media and interactive applications. Demonstrate: Strong typographic/color skills. Expertise in principles/practices of graphic design. Knowledge of graphic layout/photographic requirements/procedures.
Skills and Knowledge | Understanding of digital media platforms, social media, the impact of how to deliver multimedia projects across digital and other platforms. Strong ability to understand industry standards for production of ADA accessible compliant work. Proficient knowledge/hands-on skills in the latest software versions of MS Office, asset management (Box), Project Management systems/Trello, Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and XD. Knowledge of pre-press/printing processes. Ability to prepare specifications for printer. Understanding of material/production costs, time limits and other factors that impact design. Illustration skills beneficial. Ability to analyze graphic/technical information and create interpretive illustrations. Outstanding written/verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Experience in a team centric operation. Takes direction well. Manage stressful situations, is solution-oriented and has positive attitude. Move with urgency/ manage multiple projects simultaneously. Close visual acuity to perform tasks related to design. Flexibility and ability to position oneself to art direct a variety of images.
Responsibilities | Serve as primary designer to conceptualize, plan, design, and produce digital, multimedia, promotional pieces and print projects. High impact pieces such as the bi-annual Whitman magazine, that serves as a key marketing pieces for 38,000 constituents, is designed and prepared for print by the designer. Additional high priority designs include strategic fundraising and recruitment brochures, promotional pieces and digital communications. Uses high degrees of autonomy, skill and creativity to drive conceptual design formational campaigns. Creates thoughtful solutions to advance business goals and marketing strategies. Independently develops new conceptual approaches to significant campaigns that effectively and consistently brings the brand to life. Partners with various stakeholders (including Deans and Assistant Deans) to bring projects from conceptual stages to completion with autonomy. Excellent at multi-tasking and managing dozens of deliverables simultaneously. Maintain tenants of the style guide, including art direction/ photography, color palette, typography and other visual design elements, including environmental graphics. Ensure the brand meets with Syracuse University style guide/brand and execute branding/strategy in accordance with the Syracuse University brand elements/strategy. Collaborate with colleagues within the division of Marketing on visual identity standards, design for accessibility, new technologies and resources. Review proofs during production stages and ensures quality of final products before distribution to all audiences. Ensures projects are on time and on budget. Excellent attention to detail. Other duties as assigned. : Collaborate with colleagues within the division of Marketing on visual identity standards, design for accessibility, new technologies and resources.
Physical Requirements | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment | Not Applicable
Application Instructions | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link |
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/111048Job Posting Date | 09/24/2025
Application Deadline |
Full Consideration By |
Job Category | Staff
Message to Applicants |
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).