The Graphic Arts Technician (Graphic Designer) works closely with the members of the Office of College Communications team to create and prepare finished layouts, designs, and collateral for duplication and publication in print or digital form. The Graphic Designer helps develop and execute the College's brand identity, prepares promotional and informational collateral, develops designs and content for the website and social media, is familiar with industry standard software and programs, serves as the College's photographer, proofreads and edits copy, operates apparatus such as transfer letterers, headliners, drafting and other equipment for graphic art needs; and performs related work as required. The basic purpose of this work is to prepare finished layouts for duplication and printing.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Prepares technical artwork such as design, layout, lettering, paste up and copy to produce printed materials such as brochures, forms, newsletters, and exhibits.
• Draws sketches, charts, and graphs for documents such as budgets and reports of capital expenditures for presentation of data.
• Proofreads and edits copy for form, accuracy, clarity, proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Operates apparatus such as transfer letterer, headliner, drafting equipment and controlled lettering equipment; selects typeface and lettering for printed material; and calculates measurements for typesetting.
• Determines the need for supplies and equipment necessary to complete assignments.
• Reads journals and/or other publications to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Focuses on the Commonwealth's Equity Agenda by applying related best practices throughout all job functions.

• Knowledge of the materials, supplies and equipment used in graphic arts.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of graphic design.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of graphic arts including layout.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of graphic reproduction.
• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in graphic arts work.
• Knowledge of lettering methods.
• Knowledge of principles and correct usage of the English language including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in proofreading and editing material.
• Knowledge of the methods used in the preparation of charts, graphs, and tables.
• Skill in freehand drawing.
• Skill in the use of lettering equipment
• Skill in the use of instruments and devices used in graphic arts.
• Ability to prepare and use charts, graphs, and tables.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to read and interpret such documents as drawings, charts, graphs, tables, etc.
• Ability to determine proper format and procedures for assembling items of information.
• Ability to perform arithmetic computations.
• Ability to distinguish colors visually.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in graphic arts, graphic design, drawing or illustrating work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

• Graduation from a recognized school above the high school level, with a major in graphic arts or graphic design may be substituted for the required experience.
• Education toward such a certificate, diploma or degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite (primarily InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro), Canva, and other creative/editing software and programs.
• Experience with photography, the organization and storage of photo assets, and editing photos for print and digital use.
• Experience with multimedia content creation for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter/X, social networking and marketing, and the use of graphics and video on the web.
• Strong portfolio of published print and digital collateral, engaging photos, and graphics that promote or highlight products or programs.
• Experience designing interface, graphics, and content for the web and assisting the developers with coding (HTML & CSS).

Position Status: AFSCME union position, full-time, state-funded with benefits.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, include special circumstances such as occasional nights and weekends

Salary: $1,874.61 bi-weekly ($48,739.86 annual) Grade 14 Step 1

Classification Specification: https://www.mass.edu/forfacstaff/classificationspecs/home.asp

Deadline to Apply: February 18, 2024