About The University

Manhattan University is nestled in the historic neighborhood or Riverdale , close to dozens of restaurants and shops as well as Van Cortlandt Park , and is only 35 minutes from midtown Manhattan. Manhattan University is nationally ranked and offers degree programs in the arts, business, education, engineering, and science. The University has approximately 3,000 full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in over 50 fields of study. It is committed to excellence in teaching a diverse student body and preparing students for successful careers and fulfilling lives. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and faculty members can thrive personally and professionally.

Position Description

The Graphic Designer is a key creative role within the Marketing Office, responsible for designing, producing, and managing a broad spectrum of visual communications in support of Manhattan University’s strategic goals in advertising, marketing, web, social media, publications, enrollment, retention, advancement, academic excellence, and campus engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position requires creativity, a strong command of both digital and print media, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to maintain brand integrity across multiple touchpoints in a collaborative, deadline-driven higher education environment.

Job Responsibilities

Produce high-quality print and digital design assets, including publications, brochures, posters, viewbooks, invitations, event programs, direct mail, presentations, and environmental signage.
Design digital-first creative for social media, email campaigns, websites, online advertising, and video graphics, ensuring all assets are optimized for platform specifications.
Translate concepts and campaign themes into cohesive design systems that work across multiple mediums and audiences.
Prepare accurate, print-ready files and web-optimized graphics following correct technical specifications, color standards, and accessibility best practices.
Uphold and enforce Manhattan University’s brand identity, ensuring consistent application of typography, color, logos, photography, and layout systems.
Maintain and update branded templates, toolkits, and visual assets, and guide campus partners on proper brand usage.
Collaborate with writers, editors, photographers, videographers, web strategists, and campus stakeholders to develop fully integrated creative solutions.
Work with the Executive Director to implement art direction for photo/video shoots, freelance designers, student assistants, and production partners as needed.
Design responsive digital assets that support UX/UI goals and comply with WCAG accessibility standards.
Develop motion graphics, micro-animations, or video overlays when required to support campaigns and storytelling.
Manage full print production processes, including developing specs, reviewing proofs, selecting materials/finishes, coordinating press checks, and ensuring final output quality.
Work directly with external vendors to secure quotes, manage timelines, troubleshoot production issues, and maintain quality and cost-efficiency.
Create signage, wayfinding, banners, large-format displays, and other environmental branding elements for campus events and installations.
Manage multiple concurrent projects in a deadline-driven environment, balancing shifting priorities and ensuring timely delivery of all creative assets.
Maintain organized digital workflows, file structures, and asset archives to support efficient production and long-term brand consistency.
Track project schedules, approvals, production timelines, and delivery milestones, proactively communicating updates to stakeholders.
Support marketing campaigns by producing effective visual assets that drive engagement, enrollment, fundraising, and brand awareness.
Incorporate feedback from campus partners and senior leadership to improve creative solutions and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
Monitor performance of design materials and digital assets, using insights to refine creative approaches and increase impact.
Stay current with design trends, software updates, higher education marketing best practices, accessibility standards, and new creative tools that can enhance efficiency or visual output.
Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

1 year of professional design experience.
Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom).
Strong portfolio that demonstrates creativity and excellence in both print and digital design, typography, layout, and brand adherence.
Working knowledge of ADA/WCAG accessibility standards and best practices for digital design and communications.
Experience with video graphics, motion design (After Effects or equivalent), photography, photo/video shoots, and environmental/wayfinding design.
Familiarity with brand-asset management systems, digital asset repositories, version control, and workflow automation.
Understanding of print finishing techniques (foil stamping, die-cutting, large-format, vinyl wraps) and the ability to specify materials and finishes in production.
Demonstrated experience managing print production from concept through to final delivery (buyer communication, vendor engagement, budgeting, quality control).
Solid understanding of digital design best practices—file formats, resolution, responsive/multi-device design, social media specs, motion or micro animation a plus.
Strong project/time management skills with the ability to handle multiple concurrent deadlines, adjust to shifting priorities, and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders across campus and external partners.
Excellent proofreading skills for all collateral and marketing materials.
Superior customer service skills.
Strong project management skills.
Commitment to diverse storytelling across all mediums and platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Media Arts, or related field.
Experience with Figma, XD, or equivalent for digital platforms is strongly preferred.
Experience directly within a higher education institution or in a similar educational/nonprofit communications role.
Working knowledge of ADA/WCAG accessibility standards and best practices for digital design and communications.
Experience with video graphics, motion design (After Effects or equivalent), photography, photo/video shoots, and environmental/wayfinding design.
Familiarity with brand-asset management systems, digital asset repositories, version control, and workflow automation.
Understanding of print finishing techniques (foil stamping, die-cutting, large-format, vinyl wraps) and the ability to specify materials and finishes in production.

Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Catholic Lasallian institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. We expect our faculty, administration, and staff to be knowledgeable about our mission and to make a positive contribution to the mission.

Manhattan University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, marital status, partnership status, pregnancy, caregiver status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity or expression, arrest or conviction record, criminal history, credit history, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, unemployment status and salary history. Manhattan University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all employees. All interested, qualified persons are encouraged to apply.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Manhattan University

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