OFFICIAL TITLE:                          Staff Assistant/Design Artist
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:          Director of Publications & Printing Services
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:        N/A

General Statement of Duties: The Staff Assistant, Design Artist serves as the primary graphic designer for Worcester State University and plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the university's brand. The designer works within the Publications and Printing Department and collaborates closely with an inhouse offset printing team to ensure completion of design projects from concept through prepress. The design artist is responsible for the creation of various print and digital materials, including but not limited to brochures, flyers, postcards, digital images, graphics such as campus maps, posters, signs etc. for university departments, divisions and schools. Additionally the design artist works with external audiences that partner with the university and external vendors such as printers. Materials created by the design artist will educate, engage, and inform external and internal audiences, and support the university's brand. The position reports to the Director of Publications and Printing Services and works with the Communications and Marketing team as directed. This is a hybrid position, with a minimum of three days in the office and two days remote work.

Responsibilities:

(E) = Essential

1. (E) Creates original designs following best practices of typography, layout, photo editing and design using a Macintosh computer; all artwork created becomes the sole property of Worcester State University.
2. (E) Creates, layouts, and designs various types of publications, e.g., holiday and special invitations, publications, brochures, flyers, posters, large and small signs, business cards, signage, displays, postcards, newsletters, digital banner ads, social graphics and other jobs as directed. Additionally, creates artistic representations for campus e.g., buildings, special logos, campus maps and illustrations, etc.
3. (E) Uses computer-to plate Postscript RIP station for outputting Polyester printing plates.
4. (E) Has a thorough, extensive knowledge of Adobe's Creative Cloud programs including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop; Google work environment; and Microsoft Office software.
5. (E) Works with the Office of Communications and Marketing to ensure consistency in university brand and public image.
6. (E) Manages and tracks all aspects of design projects, from time of design request to delivery of materials
7. (E) Manages production with WSU Mail Center, and outside vendors as required; attends press checks as needed.
8. (E) Manages and organizes all design project files on P&P Macintosh file server in a timely manner; updates department design job log(s) in Google Sheet.
9. (E) Assists with graphics for the university as needed.
10. (E) Acts as liaison with members of the university community relative to design projects; acts as liaison with external parties and vendor/contractors relative to design projects.
11. (E) Ensures compliance with United States Copyright law.
12. (E) Prints jobs to Xerox Digital press, Epson Large format printer and B&W production copiers; supplies a ruled-up printed setup sheet that travels with the jobs.
13. (E) Assists Quick Copy with any special design needs for cover sheets for workbooks, course readers, etc.
14. (E) Remains current on practices used by the graphic arts industry with regard to copy and offset preparation.
15. (E) Demonstrates excellent customer-service, professionalism and collaborative skills.
16. (E) Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan.
17. (E) Responsible for contributing to Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives.
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 4 years' experience as a designer/typographer in a professional setting.
• Experience with copy and offset preparation with Macintosh computers.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, Google Applications, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with font management programs such as Extensis Connect Fonts for Mac.
• Demonstrated ability to translate concepts and ideas into compelling design materials across multiple formats and media.
• Excellent planning, organization, project management, and proofreading skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to work effectively with internal and external constituents.
• Ability to effectively balance and complete multiple projects with competing deadlines, adhering to each deadline.
• Ability to successfully pass CORI and background check.
• Ability to perform essential responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in fine arts, graphic arts, or closely related field.

This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional APA position. The firm annual salary range for this position is $55,000- $62,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience and education. 

Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
• a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 20 vacation days accrued per year 
• 15 sick days accrued per year 
• 5 personal days per year 
• paid holidays 
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
• and more...

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

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About Worcester State University

WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY is a vibrant public university located in the residential west side of Worcester, Massachusetts, the second largest city in New England and home to 38,000 college students at more than a dozen colleges and universities. Situated on a compact 58-acre campus, the University offers 50 undergraduate and graduate academic programs to more than 6,400 students annually. The Princeton Review ranks us as one of the 75 "Best Value" public colleges in the country, as well as a "Best in the Northeast" college.

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