Human Resources

Summary

Tomorrow needs smart design—and so do we. Michigan Technological University is hiring a Graphic Designer to join our award-winning creative team. We’re looking for a bold, strategic designer with a sharp eye and a love for great design. Someone who sweats the small stuff but dreams big. Someone who’s ready to bring Michigan Tech’s brand to life in ways that are both beautiful and effective.

As a Graphic Designer on the University Marketing and Communications (UMC) team, you’ll work across mediums—especially in print—to support student recruitment and elevate Michigan Tech’s reputation. From viewbooks and postcards to event signage and publications, you’ll create smart, polished work that moves people.
You’ll join a tight-knit team of designers, writers, photographers, and creatives who push each other to do their best work. You’ll be part of brainstorms, pitch your ideas, and collaborate with departments across campus. You’ll also have the opportunity to flex your skills across web, video, and social if that’s in your wheelhouse.
This is an on-campus role at one of the nation’s leading public research universities, located in the stunning Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. Our team works hard, thinks strategically, and takes pride in creating work that makes a difference.

*Applicants must include a link to an online portfolio in their resume to be considered.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Get to know the university. Reach out, ask questions, and learn how Michigan Tech is built—from colleges and departments to the people who keep things running. Show up for campus events and get involved. You’re part of the community now.
• Lead the design and execution of high-impact print materials including viewbooks, brochures, postcards, magazines, signage, events and more—ensuring each piece reflects the university’s brand and mission.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including writers, photographers, videographers, developers, and project managers—to bring creative concepts to life across multiple mediums.
• Support student recruitment and institutional storytelling by producing thoughtful, strategic designs that appeal to prospective students, families, alumni, and partners.
• Apply and evolve brand standards in innovative, effective ways—ensuring consistency while pushing creative boundaries to elevate Michigan Tech’s visual identity.
• Manage multiple complex design projects from concept through production, balancing creativity with deadlines and detail.
• Prepare final artwork for press or digital output and coordinate with vendors to ensure high-quality, accurate production and timely delivery.
• Keep your files neat and your teammates happy. Well-organized folders and smart naming conventions make sharing and collaboration easier for everyone.
• Use data to inform design choices. Evaluate performance metrics, audience insights, and real-time engagement to refine visual strategies and make design decisions that support enrollment and marketing goals.
• Pitch creative ideas, present drafts, and communicate design rationale clearly and confidently to stakeholders and team members.
• Stay current on design trends, tools, and techniques—bring new ideas and energy to every project.
• Dive into the photo archives. Work closely with our studio team to track down the strongest visuals—or help plan new shoots when we need something fresh.
• Communicate clearly and confidently. Whether it’s Slack, Asana, email, Zoom, or the occasional phone call, you know how to get your message across.
• Make safety second nature. Apply good practices and common sense to keep yourself and others safe on the job.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Associate’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience.

Required Experience

3+ years of professional print design experience working in a corporate, in-house, or agency environment.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in graphic design or a related field, or 5+ years of professional experience—preferably in an agency or higher ed setting.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Expert in Adobe Creative Suite—especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Solid grasp of layout, typography, color, and print production.
• Clear communicator who can explain design decisions with ease.
• Organized, deadline-driven, and able to juggle multiple projects.
• Team player with a collaborative mindset and problem-solving attitude.
• Knows how to follow brand standards—and when to push them (strategically).
• Understands great design: color, composition, hierarchy, and typography—with a portfolio that proves it.
• Values brand consistency and can bring it to life across materials—with a strong portfolio to back it up.
• Familiar with print workflows, client review cycles, and final file prep—with sharp attention to detail.
• Takes creative direction well and nails the details during revisions.
• Invested in doing good work and making sure everyone on the team shines.
• Self-starter who can work independently and isn’t afraid to ask questions or seek out solutions when necessary.
• Comfortable working across cultures and with diverse teams of students, faculty, and staff on campus.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Experience designing ads for print, digital, and large-format applications
• Experience with illustration and custom graphic work
• Experience creating accessible documents in Adobe InDesign
• Experience with motion graphics or creating animated GIFs

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses:
· Employee Safety Overview
· Annual Data Security Training
· Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
· Annual Title IX Training

Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Pay Rate/Salary

The minimum salary for this position is $55,000 . The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Art Director

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

• Must be available for full-time work (40 hours/week), ideally during 8–5 p.m. EST.
• Ability to relocate to the area required. $500 relocation assistance available.

Additional Information

Why Michigan Tech?

Michigan Technological University is a flagship public research institution located in Houghton, Michigan. We’re recognized for our rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and commitment to solving real-world problems. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and trails, our campus is home to a tight-knit, hardworking, and adventurous community.

We’re one of only a few R1 universities located in a rural environment—and we put that energy into everything we do. At Michigan Tech, tomorrow isn’t just something we dream about. It’s something we design.