Graphic Designer

Job description

The Graphic Designer at the University of New Hampshire is a skilled, hands-on designer responsible for creating high-quality visual materials that support UNH’s brand and a wide range of university-wide marketing, communications, and engagement efforts. This role sits within UNH’s central creative team and is prioritized for work supporting Advancement, including fundraising, alumni engagement, donor stewardship, and major giving initiatives. While Advancement is a primary focus, the Graphic Designer also, secondarily, supports projects across the university as needed, working within a centralized, audience-centric, brand-led creative model. The Graphic Designer works closely with Creative, Content, Project Management, and Advancement partners to translate goals and briefs into effective, brand-aligned design solutions. This role is primarily execution-focused and well-suited for a designer who is comfortable owning individual deliverables while collaborating within a highly supportive team environment. Duties/Responsibilities Design Execution – 65% Concept and execute visual materials across print and digital channels in support of Advancement and broader UNH marketing initiatives. Produce a wide range of design deliverables including (but not limited to) fundraising appeals, donor communications, event materials, publications, social media graphics, digital ads, presentations, signage, and campaign assets. Translate creative direction, briefs, and feedback into polished, high-quality design work. Ensure all design work aligns with UNH’s brand standards, visual identity, and messaging frameworks. Collaboration & Creative Partnership – 20% Work closely with Advancement partners to support fundraising and engagement goals through thoughtful, effective design. Collaborate with writers, designers, photographers, and video producers within the creative team to develop cohesive, multi-channel materials. Partner with Project Management to ensure clear handoffs, expectations, and timely delivery of work. Incorporate feedback constructively and iterate efficiently within established workflows. Develop an understanding of Advancement audiences, including alumni, donors, prospects, volunteers, and university leadership, and design materials appropriate to those audiences and objectives. Support university and Advancement events through timely creation of event-related collateral and environmental graphics. Brand Alignment & Craft – 10% Apply UNH’s visual identity and brand guidelines consistently across all assigned projects. Support brand consistency by following established templates, systems, and design standards. Maintain high attention to detail, typography, composition, and accessibility best practices. Professional Growth & Awareness – 5% Stay current on design trends, tools, and best practices relevant to higher education, fundraising, and brand communications. Continue developing skills in visual design, layout, and digital production. Build familiarity with peer institutions and best-in-class Advancement and fundraising design. Requirements Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 3–5+ years of professional graphic design experience, preferably in an in-house or agency environment. Strong portfolio demonstrating thoughtful, well-crafted design across print and digital formats. Proficiency with industry-standard design tools, including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Strong communication skills and comfort working with cross-functional partners. Attention to detail, organization, and follow-through. Experience with Advancement, fundraising, or nonprofit communications is a plus. Familiarity with higher education or brand-driven organizations is preferred. Applicant Instructions Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/Cover Letter section of your application: Resume/CV Cover Letter Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed. The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. EEO Statement The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status. Compensation Pay Range: $47,920.00 - $85,410.00 The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources Location: Durham