Graphic Designer

The University of Oklahomas K20 Center is an educational research and outreach center and is known for innovation. This position will serve its latest K20 Centers GEAR UP the METRO (METRO) program awarded in the fall of 2025 which seeks to empower students from underserved communities providing them with resources mentorship and academic support to enhance their readiness for post-secondary education. Join K20s METRO team and help to foster student success elevate aspirations and promote college and career readiness to create a brighter future for the cohort youth.

The METRO project is seeking a highly skilled and creative Graphic Designer to join our newly formed team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for performing professional graphic design and illustration services for both print and digital media that will support the K20 GEAR UP the METRO team of professionals working with 17 Oklahoma schools and their students to explore pathways to college and their careers. The Graphic Designer will play a key role in ensuring all the communications resources and supports are graphically engaging. Will be required to travel to school sites and national conferences to meet with leaders community partners and GEAR UP stakeholders and facilitate research and evaluation activities; this may require overnight trips.

Duties:

Professional Graphic Design and Illustration:

• Execute high-quality graphic design and illustration services tailored for both print and digital media ensuring a polished and visually appealing outcome.
• Contribute to the creation of visually compelling materials that meet project objectives incorporating a keen understanding of design principles and industry standards.

Desktop Publishing and Visual Communication:

• Take charge of desktop publishing tasks and graphic design activities for visual communications and web design projects.
• Apply technical proficiency to produce well-structured and visually engaging layouts seamlessly adapting designs for both traditional and digital mediums.

Original Design Formulation:

• Formulate innovative design responses utilizing appropriate media materials tools technology platforms and techniques.
• Employ a variety of ideation and analytical strategies throughout the design process ensuring the development of unique and effective visual communications.

Exemplary Design Principles:

• Integrate exemplary design principles including composition balance hierarchy harmony and contrast to create cohesive and visually impactful designs.
• Ensure that design solutions not only meet aesthetic standards but also effectively communicate the intended message to the target audience.

Alignment with Best Practices:

• Align graphic approach and content with industry best practices and organizational guidelines to maintain a consistent and professional visual identity.
• Stay updated on design trends and industry standards applying this knowledge to enhance the quality and relevance of design work.

Effective Composition and Color Theory:

• Apply effective composition and color theory techniques taking into consideration focal point eye path and value to create designs that captivate and resonate with the audience.
• Strive for a harmonious balance of visual elements ensuring a visually pleasing and user-friendly experience.

Timely Project Completion and Budget Adherence:

• Manage projects efficiently to ensure timely completion meeting deadlines without compromising quality.
• Incorporate feedback to improve deliverables and ensure alignment with expectations of the stakeholders (i.e. subject matter experts instructional designers coordinators).
• Work within specified budget constraints demonstrating fiscal responsibility and resourcefulness in achieving project objectives.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelors degree AND:

• 12 months of graphic design experience

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelors degree.

Working Conditions

• Physical:
  • Sit for prolonged periods.
  • Ability to engage in repetitive motion.
  • Communicate effectively and listen.
  • Use of a computer.
  • Manual dexterity.
• Environmental:
  • Standard office environment.
  • Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.

Knowledge & Skills

• Able to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiatives.
• Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information.
• Expertise in selecting and manipulating fonts to enhance design aesthetics and readability.
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications
• Knowledge of color theory and its application in design.
• Knowledge of graphic design principles
• Understanding of design principles including composition balance harmony contrast and hierarchy.
• Understanding of print processes specifications and production techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• 36 months of graphic design experience
• 24 months of professional illustration experience
• Actively participate in K20 Center-sponsored professional learning experiences and when available seek certification for learning opportunities.
• Uses established safety practices to protect the health and safety of personnel and property

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy visit You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our communitys unique talents perspectives and experiences. At OU we aspire to harness our innovation creativity and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex sexual orientation marital status genetic information gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law) age (40 or older) religion disability political beliefs or status as a veteran in any of its policies practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions employment housing financial aid and educational services.