Creative Design Specialist

University of Georgia

Athens, GA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Adobe Creative Suite, Background Investigation, Best Practices, Brand Marketing (Branding), Budget Management, Communication Skills, Content Management, Continuous Improvement, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, Cost Estimates, Creative Design, Cross-Functional, Design Services, Detail Oriented, Emerging Technology, Employee Benefits, Establish Priorities, Financial Management, Fundraising, Graphic Design, HTML (HyperText Markup Language), Health Science, Healthcare Quality, Higher Education, Image Manipulation, Industry/Trade Analysis, Leadership, Lifting Equipment, Link Management, Manufacturing Cost, Marketing Communications, Materials Planning, Medicine, Multitasking, News Reporting, Online/Internet Brand Management, Operational Strategy, Organizational Skills, Patient Care, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Printers, Printing, Process Improvement, Process Management, Product Merchandising, Production Schedule, Production Specifications, Project Evaluation, Project Execution, Project/Program Management, Promotional Products, Publications, Quality Assurance, Quality Metrics, Requirements Management, Retirement Plan, Retouching, School Buildings, Software Design, Team Player, Time Management, Trademarks, Trend Analysis, Typography, User Interface/Experience (UI/UX), Vendor/Supplier Selection, Web Site Monitoring, Website Management, Wordpress, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Athens, GA
POSTED
3 days ago

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S15491P Working Title Creative Design Specialist Department AU/UGA MedPart-Dean's Office About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The University of Georgia School of Medicine was founded in 2024 and received preliminary accreditation in 2026.

The establishment of a new public medical school at UGA comes as the state faces a significant shortage of medical professionals. The population of Georgia, the nation's eighth-largest state, has surged to approximately 11 million residents, straining existing medical infrastructure and resulting in longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. Georgia currently ranks 39th in the nation for the number of active patient care physicians per capita and 41st for the number of public medical students per capita.

As a top-20 public university with a thriving research enterprise and vast public service network, the University of Georgia is well-positioned to produce more highly trained physicians, alleviate physician shortages, and improve the state's ability to provide quality health care for its citizens.

The School of Medicine is located on UGA's Health Sciences Campus in Athens. In its inaugural year, the UGA School of Medicine will enroll 60 students per class, but a new $100 million medical school building will enable the UGA School of Medicine to grow to 120 students per class in the future.

College/Unit/Department website https://medicine.uga.edu/ Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information

Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM. Flexibility may be needed at times, including evenings and/or weekends on occasion.

Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience Posting Date 07/23/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 09/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants

The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant's credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications for the position, a current resume, a portfolio showcasing relevant work samples, and contact information for three professional references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).

Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title Graphic Designer II FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

At least 2 years of graphic design experience with a strong portfolio showcasing proficiency in branding, print design, digital design, and other relevant design work.

Position Summary

The Creative Design Specialist reports directly to the School of Medicine (SOM) Marketing & Communications Manager and contributes to the visual identity of the SOM. The position provides graphic design for units within the SOM and oversees and facilitates the logo/trademark approval process on behalf of the SOM in coordination with the UGA Division for Marketing & Communication.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

  • Demonstrated experience working in the Adobe Creative Suite design software.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing projects in an organized, efficient manner by prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to collaborate with colleagues on shared work.
  • Strong understanding of design principles, including layout, color theory, typography, text hierarchy, and composition, as well as adaptability to new design trends, technologies, and industry changes.
  • Experience with image/photo editing and retouching.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong attention to detail.
  • Professionalism, strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Physical Demands

Work in a standard office environment, but may sometimes involve long periods of standing and moving/lifting boxes and/or equipment.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Creative Design and Project Execution

  • Lead the conceptualization, design, and production of high-quality marketing, communications, and promotional materials across print and digital platforms, ensuring projects effectively communicate organizational priorities and SOM strategic objectives.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders to develop creative solutions that support recruitment, engagement, fundraising, and institutional initiatives.
  • Manage projects from initial consultation and concept development through final delivery, exercising independent judgment in design decisions, prioritization, and execution.
  • Serve as a steward of the School of Medicine's visual identity by ensuring the proper use of university trademarks, logos, colors, typography, and brand standards across all communications.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve workflow processes and project management practices to increase efficiency, transparency, and collaboration among team members and stakeholders.

Percentage of time 70 Duties/Responsibilities

Vendor Coordination, Production, and Technical Expertise

  • Lead production efforts for print publications, promotional products, branded merchandise, and other externally produced materials from planning through final delivery.
  • Evaluate project requirements and identify appropriate vendors based on quality, cost-effectiveness, production capabilities, and project timelines.
  • Develop production specifications, prepare files for print and manufacturing, obtain cost estimates, and manage project budgets as applicable.
  • Coordinate with printers, manufacturers, and external vendors to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and brand requirements are consistently met.
  • Review proofs, conduct quality assurance checks, and provide feedback or revisions to ensure accuracy, visual excellence, and compliance with project specifications.
  • Research and apply current design trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to enhance the effectiveness and quality of communications materials.

Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities

Website Management

  • Support ongoing maintenance of the School of Medicine WordPress website (not including HTML coding) by implementing routine content updates, revisions, and additions provided by colleagues and leadership.
  • Ensure website content remains accurate, accessible, current, and aligned with institutional messaging and branding standards.
  • Coordinate with internal partners to identify and address website content needs, ensuring information is presented clearly and effectively.
  • Monitor website pages for content accuracy, broken links, formatting inconsistencies, and user experience issues, escalating technical concerns when necessary.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Engagement

  • Actively participate in School of Medicine meetings, department events, trainings, and collaborative initiatives to support team goals and organizational priorities.
  • Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge of graphic design, marketing communications, branding, web content management, and emerging industry trends.
  • Foster positive working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, vendors, and university partners through effective communication and collaboration.
  • Contribute ideas and recommendations that support continuous improvement, innovation, and operational effectiveness within the department.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Wendy Gilfedder Recruitment Contact Email somhr@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Portfolio
  • List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

About the Company

U

University of Georgia