Graphic Designer

Job purpose

The Graphic Design Supervisor is responsible for the University’s design strategy and creative direction. Ensuring we produce compelling and innovative design solutions that elevate and distinguish the University from our competitors.

As manager of the Design Studio, this role is integral to marketing operations; they are responsible for the planning and prioritisation of all design including liaising with key internal and external stakeholders to make sure all key business objectives are met.

The Graphic Design Supervisor is responsible for creating inspirational and aspirational design content that resonates with multiple audience types and delivers against recruitment objectives across multiple mediums including; the website, email, events, print, social media, and direct mail.

They will need to ensure that the University is both innovative and planned in its design approach with a focus on continuous improvement – monitoring feedback, reviewing engagement, instigating research, identifying areas of improvement, putting together proposals and implementing industry best practice.

As a key custodian of the University’s brand identity, the Graphic Design Supervisor is responsible for elevating our brand across the world. Setting direction, monitoring outputs from across the University, and ensuring stakeholders apply brand principles for a consistent identity.

The Graphic Design Supervisor will need to adopt a digital-first approach; researching, developing and delivering effective digital design strategies. Implementing new processes and technology into our design that positions us as market leaders within our competitor group

Responsibilities

• Lead on the design strategy and creative direction for the University for high profile content and campaigns.
• Identifying, instigating and creating inspirational and aspirational design content that delivers against recruitment objectives.
• Manage the process for design requests and projects; from initial design through artwork, layout, image editing, proofing and through to production. Planning and prioritising projects up to 18 months ahead - in partnership with stakeholders across the University - in alignment with the University strategy, calendar and recruitment needs.
• Monitor the University of Kent’s visual brand identity and ensure brand consistency in design output across the University. Ensuring stakeholders understand and apply brand principles and provide additional training when appropriate.
• Lead, manage and develop the design team; nurturing a work environment that is conducive to creative thinking while implementing and improving working processes to ensure the delivery of services meets the expectations of all customers.
• Manage the Graphic Design Assistant - providing clear objectives and managing performance against these - ensuring they are motivated and trained to carry out their responsibilities to the highest standards.
• Work with the Production Supervisor in the management of the production/print process – including budget for assigned projects. Lead on quality control, signing-off and approval of the final product
• Collaborate with staff and external agencies to ensure outsourced graphic solutions align with the University’s agreed policies and procedures.
• Advise and provide specialist design insight on photography briefs as required. Review/select and approve images to be used across campaigns.
• Monitor and review designs to ensure that designs are accessible and are compliant with accessibility guidance and legislation – including keeping up-to-date with the latest accessibility recommendations and best practice.
• Maintain hardware and software used on the DTP system. Troubleshooting any problems that arise.

What will you bring to the role:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience, in a related discipline
• Experience leading a design team and providing creative direction for an organisation
• Experience of successfully managing staff, and a clear passion for developing motivated people
• Expert knowledge of Macintosh operating system and Adobe Creative Suite – including Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat and InDesign.

What we can offer in return:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health retailer and wellbeing discounts via Edenred Reward Gateway
• On campus cinema/theatre, sports facilities, library, nursery (Canterbury) and food outlets
• Study while you work discounts, cycle to work scheme, local business discounts
• Support in your development and wellbeing at all stages of employment, including an Employee Assistance Programme training and development opportunities at all levels

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/