Digital Communications Specialist 3 - 61888-1A

Updated: Dec 4, 2023
Location: Irvine-Campus
Job Type:
Department: Strategic Communications

Position Summary:

Strategic Communications & Public Affairs collaborates across campus and the health system to advance UCI’s reputation, mission, priorities and values through storytelling, relationship building, and an integrated communication approach that includes the following: 

• Brand development and management: Cultivating an emotional connection and loyalty to the university by articulating the institution's distinctive qualities, encouraging a positive experience, and developing and protecting the university's identity, marks and graphic assets. 
• Community relations & engagement: Creating opportunities for local political, community, and business leaders to engage with the university to support the connection between Orange County's dynamic economy and its premiere research institution. 
• Executive communications: Strengthening the presence and influence of university leaders - globally, regionally and within the campus - through effective messaging and outreach support. 
• Government relations and advocacy: Engaging elected and appointed officials at the federal, state, regional and local levels to promote our research, education, and public service activities. 
• Internal communications: Providing outreach assistance and information for UCI's students, faculty and staff. 
• Marketing: Developing effective tools and services to convey the university's message, including advertising, presentations, promotional pieces and events. 
• Media relations: Establishing mutually beneficial relationships with members of the media - from digital publications and social networks to production studios and news organizations - to support the accurate, appropriate and fair use of university information worldwide. 
• Publications and digital properties: Creating books, magazines, newsletters, brochures, websites and other digital content that advance the university's mission. 
• Visual communications: Producing photography, videography, graphic design and other visual assets that help create compelling stories. https://communications.uci.edu/ 

Health Affairs: Founded in 2017 with a $200 million gift from Orange County philanthropists Susan and Henry Samueli, UCI Health Affairs is a first of its kind health science enterprise and is unique to Orange County, Calif. Together, the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences and UCI Health form UCI Health Affairs. The Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences is translating its tripartite mission to “discover, teach, heal” through groundbreaking discoveries and the training of the diverse healthcare workforce of the future. Creating a first-of-its-kind alliance across health disciplines, the college comprises the School of Medicine, the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, the future School of Population & Public Health, the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, and research units focused on cancer, clinical translational science, precision health and stem cells. The college shares a robust synergy with UCI Health, the only academic health system in Orange County. UCI Health Affairs is transforming education, discovery, and patient care to benefit the region, state and nation. Health Advancement: Through the combined efforts of University Advancement & Alumni Relations, UC Irvine is able to share its amazing achievements, build lasting relationships and generate support for important campus programs and initiatives. University Advancement seeks to strengthen contributions in research, education, and service; accelerate the university's place among globally preeminent research universities; and bring together passions, skills, and creativity to further improve people's lives. In partnership with University Advancement, Health Advancement leads fundraising programs and initiatives for UCI Health, the healthcare delivery system, and for the College of Health Sciences including School of Medicine, the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, the future School of Population & Public Health, and the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute.

The Sr. Graphic Designer will support the creative needs of Health Affairs and Health Advancement, under direction from UCI Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, and oversee the design, production and creation of a wide range of materials, including brochures, ads and other collateral pieces across print and digital media. The candidate will work closely with the brand experience team from the academic and clinical verticals to ensure embodiment of the enterprise brand using outstanding design and production skills to convey impactful messages to key audiences. The candidate will also be involved with client relations by translating complex concepts into engaging design, as well as by partnering with externally hired designers, vendors and advertising agencies to communicate the university's brand standards and advance the university's brand reputation. To be successful in this position, the ideal candidate is a self-starter, team-player, capable of delivering brilliant creative ideas, and managing his/her production work in a timely manner with sharp attention to detail.

Total Compensation:

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

$73,894.32 - $87,000.00 (Annual Salary) Expected Pay Range within the Full Salary Range $73,894.32 - $133,694.64 (Annual Salary)

Required:

5+ years of graphic design and production experience.

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of design and user experience, including skill to design in an appealing, lively and relevant way. Thorough understanding of technical language and requirements of the assigned work. Thorough understanding of organization's processes, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations for web communications. Thorough technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and / or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities. Thorough interpersonal communication and customer service skills. Thorough skills to develop and implement original ideas and correctly identify and effectively solve problems. Experience in coordinating with outside agencies, art services, web designer, marketing, printers, and colleagues as necessary. Ability to develop and monitor budgets and production schedules. Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies. Must be detail oriented and possess excellent organizational skills. Ability to set priorities, manage time, and meet deadlines. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume creative environment. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred:

Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs. Thorough skills to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.

Special Conditions Required:

Portfolio required for review and consideration.