What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marketing & Communications - Associate Director of Graphic Design position at Sacred Heart University?
About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
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To apply
Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
Work within the Division of Marketing & Communications to support enrollment, retention, and revenue goals by assisting in the creative and graphic design services for the University. Responsibilities include ensuring the proper implementation of the SHU brand across all visual communications and producing a variety of communications that serve the needs of the many constituencies throughout the University and that promote public recognition, awareness, and support of SHU.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and manage the production of print, digital and other communications requested by University personnel within allocated budgets and timelines.
- Assist in the visual communications department for the University. Work with inhouse and all external vendors related to graphic design, creative digital and print production, art and signage.
- Assist in the creation and production of University magazine.
- Assist in design of enrollment and brand advertisements across print and digital networks.
- Design and produce a variety of communications, including brochures, invitations, advertisements, posters, web graphics, etc.
- Maintain the consistency of the University brand across all visual communications.
- Create templates for recurring communications.
- Serve on committees as needed.
- Be a resource to other departments and University personnel regarding their graphic design needs.
- Ensure continued quality and relevance of University’s graphic communications.
- Prioritize projects, determine and manage resources required to complete the projects.
- Track graphic design projects from consultation to production.
- Prepare files for print, make recommendations regarding ink and paper choices.
- Maintain an archive of digital files and graphic design samples.
- Manage the “for credit” graphic design intern.
- Meet with clients, assess, and produce their graphic design collateral.
- Assume other duties as necessary.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree required in graphic design or related field.
- Thorough knowledge of print production, including preparing files for offset printing.
- Understanding of digital design landscape.
- Ability to prioritize time and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, self-starter, and team player.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Detail-oriented and resourceful.
- Strong skills and experience InDesign CC and other Creative Cloud products.
- Ability to represent the University well in working collegially with all members of staff, faculty, outside vendors, university colleagues, alumni, and students.
- Ability to work within the University’s publications policies and procedures.
- Ability to work with outside vendors.
- Ability to develop new, relevant technology skills as required.
- Ability to lead with a positive and can-do attitude that supports the mission of the school.
- Ability to work successfully in a fast-paced and changing environment.
Unusual Working Conditions
Evening and weekend hours may be required. Occasional travel required.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.