Graphic Designer

Department

ESA Creative Operations and Web Design.

About the Department

The Office of College Admissions includes a team of more than 40 staff members, largely Admissions Counselors, who oversee marketing and recruitment for prospective students along with the admissions process for first-year and transfer applicants to The College, plus summer programming for high school students. As a highly visible front-facing office, it often creates a prospective student’s first impression of UChicago, whether that interaction happens in person, online, by phone, or through email. Across the University’s schools and departments, The College is the largest unit, and this office helps attract a class of students with varied backgrounds who are ready for demanding academics and engagement with the University, the neighboring community, and the city of Chicago.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago’s Enrollment and Student Advancement division is looking for an organized, inventive, and detail-focused graphic designer to support communication and outreach across the division. The role centers on creating print and digital materials for student career programming, master’s programs, and college access work such as STARS (Small Town and Rural Students Network). The designer will help turn the division’s work into clear, engaging, and accessible communications for a range of audiences while maintaining strong quality and consistency across both print and digital formats. This position partners with project leads, contributes to outreach planning, and supports daily operations that help move the division’s mission forward.

Responsibilities

• Create and finalize printed materials for ESA projects, such as brochures, single-page pieces, handouts, signage, and event collateral.
• Develop digital assets including social media graphics, email visuals, and promotional content for multiple platforms.
• Protect and apply University of Chicago brand standards across every deliverable.
• Build and maintain an organized archive of design assets, templates, photographs, and production files for future reuse.
• Work with teammates in Career Advancement and College Admissions to define project needs and gather source content.
• Assist with content creation across channels while staying aligned with institutional messaging and standards.
• Prepare artwork for printing, coordinate with vendors, and deliver press-ready files.
• Join meetings with project leads and stakeholders, then produce concise and useful notes and summaries.
• Monitor schedules and deliverables to keep projects on track.
• Help shape and improve outreach goals for ESA initiatives.
• Review outreach efforts and projects for usefulness, practicality, and impact.
• Support efforts that broaden awareness and participation among priority audiences.
• Develop charts, graphs, illustrations, and other visual artwork for publications, advertising, and similar needs with limited oversight.
• Use practical experience to complete varied assignments, including coordination with outside production vendors when needed.
• Carry out additional related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A college or university degree in a related discipline is required.
• Applicants should bring 2 to 5 years of experience gained in a related professional area.
• Experience creating print and digital design materials in a professional or institutional environment.
• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Ability to prepare files for print and collaborate effectively with external print vendors.
• Working familiarity with social media design and email marketing formats.
• Understanding of typography, layout, and color principles for both print and screen.
• Awareness of WCAG accessibility principles for digital content.
• Hands-on exposure to motion graphics software such as Adobe After Effects.
• Hands-on exposure to Lightroom or comparable tools for photo editing and asset organization.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Excellent organization and close attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage several priorities and meet deadlines in a busy environment.
• Ability to think critically about outreach objectives and evaluate the value and practicality of projects.
• Collaborative mindset with responsiveness across teams and disciplines.
• Self-directed, proactive, and able to follow through on tasks and solutions.
• Comfort working across both creative production and administrative or operational duties.
• Interest in mission-driven programming.

Work Conditions

This role is based in a hybrid work setup.

Application Materials

• Resume or CV is required.
• Cover letter is required.
• Contact information for three references is required.
• A portfolio link and/or a list of projects with responsibilities for each project is required; a portfolio showing print and digital design work is a key part of the review.

Additional Details

• The University uses AI-assisted tools to help streamline and enhance parts of the hiring workflow, but AI is not used to decide who gets hired.
• Uploaded application documents must be submitted through the My Experience page in the Application Documents section.
• Job family: Communications.
• Role impact: Individual Contributor.
• Scheduled weekly hours: 37.5.
• Drug test required: No.
• Health screen required: No.
• Motor vehicle record inquiry required: No.
• Pay rate type: Salary.
• FLSA status: Exempt.
• Pay range: $61,200 to $79,200.
• This pay range reflects the University’s good-faith estimate of the possible compensation for the role at the time of posting.
• Benefits are available to eligible employees.
• Benefits include health coverage, retirement resources, and paid time off, with more information available in the Benefits Guidebook.
• The University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics under the law.
• Applicants needing a reasonable accommodation to complete the process may call 773-702-5800 or submit a request through the Applicant Inquiry Form.
• Employment offers depend on a background check, including review of conviction history; convictions are reviewed individually based on relevance and circumstances.
• The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online, and paper copies can be requested from the University of Chicago Police Department at 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.