The Graphic Designer & Brand Manager is part of Bucknell Athletics’ external relations team that works with coaches, staff and student-athletes to develop a wide variety of print and digital communications in support of 27 Bison varsity teams. Responsible for creating editorial, visual and video communications that align with one another and with University messaging, the graphic designer is responsible for producing print and digital visual communications that conform to brand standards, messages, style and best practices; developing high quality and cost-effective specifications for publications; and planning and scheduling production.
The graphic designer manages projects from concept to completion and must be highly creative, technically savvy and organized, possesses strong attention to detail and demonstrates skill in balancing coaches’ needs with Athletic Department priorities and resources. Personal characteristics include self-direction, self-motivation and the initiative to explore options, learn new techniques and continually improve skills and knowledge that align with Division I industry trends. The graphic designer should possess attention to detail, have the ability to organize and meet deadlines, have sensitivity to coaches’ needs and budget constraints, and be able to manage multiple projects while working under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.
Job Duties:• Guide the overall look and feel of all Bucknell Athletics’ graphics; including but not limited to, social media posts, ticket design, facility banners, publications and video board displays;
• Develop a cohesive annual plan for graphics across 27 teams that assists in the recruiting, marketing and fan engagement process;
• Design all print and digital materials for the Department of Athletics including fundraising brochures, season ticket brochures and communication materials on behalf of head coaches and the Athletic Director;
• Meet with head coaches on a regular basis to identify new opportunities and ways to improve their graphics;
• Develop a workflow that is clearly communicated to coaches and staff in order to prioritize projects and hit deadlines;
• Monitor branding across the department to ensure coaches and staff are adhering to Bucknell Athletics’ brand identity system;
• Serve as the final point of contact that approves design-related material that is being released to the public.
Minimum Qualifications:• Associate’s degree in graphic design and at least two years’ experience in the field; or, Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in graphic design;
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.);
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively both independently and as part of a team;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusiveness and the sharing of perspectives across differences;
• In-depth knowledge of and demonstrated skill in typographic best practices, traditional and digital printing processes, color theory and practice, and composition;
• Familiarity with print publishing standards;
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to organize and meet deadlines while balancing coaches’ needs, Athletic Department priorities, resources and budget constraints;
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while working under pressure in a deadline-driven environment;
• Superb organizational and project-management skills.
• Ability to handle constructive criticism and accept input from multiple staff members and coaches and translate the feedback into cohesive, strategic design work;
• Ability to take initiative and execute creative marketing strategies as part of a Division I external team;
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends on a regular basis.
Preferred Qualifications:• Professional work experience in graphic design for a collegiate or professional sports organization.
Work Type:
This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt, benefits eligible position.
This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.
Salary Range:
This is a Staff Exempt position with a hiring range of $43,280-54,100 (E06). The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate’s credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.
Benefits:
Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):
– flexible scheduling options determined by role;
– medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
– an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
– generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
– full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
– a comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
– a myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card
To learn more about Bucknell’s benefits, click here ! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.
About Bucknell
Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 60 majors and 70 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell’s 3,700 undergraduate and 30 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors on scholarly and artistic projects.
Bucknell’s beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its undergraduate students. Student life is vibrant with about 200 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletics teams, a robust arts culture, and a commitment among many of the students to community and global service work.
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
The Community
Lewisburg (pop. 5,700) is located in central Pennsylvania and features beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques, and the Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. It is the seat of Union County, which has about 44,000 residents.
The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is within a three-hour drive of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
The cost of living is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and outstanding opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School consistently ranks among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.