Creative Design Specialist

Job Title Creative Design Specialist

Department Marketing and Communications

Supervisor Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Job Purpose The Creative Design Specialist contributes to the college's financial success through the creation and delivery of compelling print and digital design materials and other outputs. As the college's primary designer, the Specialist works closely with enrollment (admissions) and other key campus partners to communicate the value of a Nichols College education and contribute to strategic growth priorities. The Specialist helps meet tactical objectives in alignment with the institution's marketing and communications goals, and produces tangible assets and collateral while adhering to brand standards.

Job Duties:

• Design multipage publications, brochures, newsletters, fact (one) sheets, multi-media displays, billboards, digital and print advertisements, and other long-form publications
• Develop original print and web graphics, illustrations, charts, graphs, webpages and artwork for use in digital and print marketing and communications, including nichols.edu
• Capture, edit and optimize photography; photograph key institutional events such as Commencement, Convocation, new student orientation, etc.; manage college's digital asset management (DAM) resource
• Identify and advise print vendors; ensure product quality and timeliness of printed communication materials and publications; determine standards and most efficient methods of production to consider timeframes and/or cost; evaluate finished product and analyze success of products
• Follow established graphic and branding standards to elevate the Nichols College brand and ensure all materials are visually consistent, professional, and aligned with brand guidelines. Ensure accurate use of logos, colors, typography, and layouts across all deliverables and campus-wide departments
• Possess strong working knowledge of graphic design and productivity software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, WordPress, Figma, Canva, Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, etc.
• Research and manage stock photography and video; manage creative and digital graphics subscriptions; work with outside photographers, including Nichols College student staff; manage work study students as necessary
• Maintain an archive of finished creative design projects, timelines and calendars, and other project management tools and resources

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferably in graphic design, digital communications, or a related field; or technical certification and relevant professional experience in creative and graphic design
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Pro and Microsoft Office; working knowledge of WordPress, Figma, Canva
• Knowledge of best-practice design techniques, tools and principles
• Strong portfolio of published work, including graphic design, digital marketing, multimedia and photography
• Demonstrated creativity and originality
• Effective time management skills and ability to juggle multiple projects concurrently
• Adaptability and flexibility, including evening/weekend availability
• Additional duties as assigned

Physical Job Components:

• Light to moderate lifting of equipment, supplies and other materials
• Able to use office and telecommunications equipment
• Walking is required, traveling may be expected at times
• Ability to communicate in writing and orally

Application Information:

Please send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to:

Department of Human Resources

Nichols College

121 Center Road

Dudley, MA 01571

humanresources@nichols.edu