The Design Specialist partners with Marketing Services and Communications, Student Engagement, campus partners, and students to produce materials that strengthen communication, increase engagement, and advance the college's mission. This role develops student and community focused design solutions across print and digital platforms. Combining hands-on creative expertise with organizational and project management skills, the Design Specialist ensures high-quality, engaging visual outcomes that resonate with the campus community.

Collaborates with Marketing Services and Communications, Student Engagement, and campus partners to lead the development of integrated, brand-aligned content that enhances the student experience and fosters a connected campus community.

Oversees intake, prioritization, and scheduling of design projects with competing deadlines, ensuring high-quality, results-driven creative work.

Consults with stakeholders to define project needs and translate goals into effective design solutions.

Designs images, illustrations, layouts, and other visual content using Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and related tools.

Creates and implements visually compelling graphics that engage students and the community across print, digital, social media, and web platforms, including:

• Event-related print materials (posters, flyers, handouts)
• Event-driven social media content (in partnership with Student Engagement)
• Harper College marquee: design and content scheduling
• Digital signage and related content (in collaboration with the Student Communication Manager)
• Updates to event details and visuals on the campus calendar (Harper Happenings)

Manages production workflows, prepares press-ready files, coordinate with internal and external vendors, reviews proofs, and ensures consistency between digital and print outputs.

Safeguards and strengthens the Harper College brand by ensuring all creative output aligns with brand guidelines, tone, and visual identity standards.

Serves as a brand ambassador by providing design guidance and supporting consistent application of brand elements across the institution.

Maintains organized archives of design assets, project files, and final outputs within MCS and DAM systems to support team efficiency and workflows.

Researches and integrates emerging design trends, accessibility standards, and best practices in visual communication to keep Harper's creative presence current and competitive.

Supports multimedia storytelling through photography and video projects, including planning, capturing, and editing as needed.

Contributes to team strategy and planning by actively participating in meetings, reviews, and collaborative feedback sessions.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Marketing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Experience: Minimum 2 years of professional design experience in print and digital media required. Experience with content management systems (CMS), digital signage, or event/calendar management software preferred.

Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign; After Effects or Premiere a plus).
• Working knowledge of Canva and Mac OS.
• Strong understanding of design principles, typography, and layout.
• Familiarity with print production processes and vendor coordination.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Awareness of accessibility standards and emerging tools, including generative AI for design and visual communication.
• Photography and/or video production/editing experience a plus.