Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer

Department: Marketing and Communications
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

As part of the graphics team, the graphic designer creates branded materials that support the college and its initiatives, using elements like typography, color and imagery. Reporting to the Associate Creative Director, this position demonstrates strong customer service, communication skills, collaboration, creativity, dedication and an understanding of design principles and technology.

Position Number: 00002150
Requisition Number: 1096
Department: Marketing and Communications
Employee Group: PMA
Schedule: 40 hours per week/52 weeks
Compensation: OP3; $51,425 per year
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Associate Creative Director
Posting Opens: 3/24/2026
Posting Closes: 4/6/2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design materials within established brand standards.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to continually maintain GRCC's brand identity for support services, programs, events and college promotion.
• Support Marketing and Communications department leadership in the continuous development and refining of GRCC's brand identity.
• Demonstrate creative solutions for print and digital projects.
• Produce effective communications for projects using a mix of pre-established designs and new designs for a variety of projects such as business cards, certificates, ads, brochures, posters, flyers, logos, banners, invitations, event materials, web graphics, etc.
• Possess research capabilities, conceptual thinking, typographic understanding, design and creative problem-solving skills.
• Interview campus clients, assess their needs, analyze and organize information, present solutions and provide excellent customer service to all college departments.
• Work effectively through self-direction and as part of a creative team to complete projects, reaching out for help and input when necessary.
• Effectively plan, manage and track assigned projects from start to finish.
• Meet with campus clients and supervisor to plan and discuss projects.
• Collaborate with customers to make decisions relative to job planning, timelines and showing the benefits and shortcomings as they relate to desired results.
• Prepare and send proofs for supervisor and campus client review.
• Evaluate appropriateness of content, including photography, based on audience and use.
• Write and/or review specifications and request quotes for projects.
• Maintain properly archived files.
• Proof other design work for accuracy, quality and use of AP style.
• Provide status updates on projects, discussing problems and possible solutions to supervisor.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement in services, technology, and operation of the department.
• Stay aware of the latest design technologies and continually experiment with how to apply them to projects.
• Participate in workshops, seminars and professional organizations.
• Work with internal and external printers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• A basic level of industry knowledge, for print and digital projects.
• Proficient in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat on a Mac.
• An understanding of design principles, typography and color theory.
• Experience assisting photoshoots or willingness to learn.
• Ability to create or willingness to learn how to create accessible and interactive PDF documents.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, G Suite and email.
• Experience designing for digital and/or the web, including knowledge of website usability, accessibility and emerging web technologies.
• Basic animation skills for digital ads, social media, etc.
• Digital illustration skills are a plus.
• Understanding of the production processes and possession of the skills and knowledge required to prepare files for printing.
• Proofreading skills and accountability in proofreading for accuracy, quality and the use of AP style.
• Skilled at interpersonal and team communication and the ability to work well with diverse groups including team members, customers and vendors.
• Utilize organizational skills to coordinate and manage multiple projects with tight deadlines, simultaneously, and to assure deadlines and expectations are met.
• Knowledge of the printing process, papers, inks and creating paper dummies.
• Knowledge of postal regulations and mailing requirements.
• Ability to use equipment such as telephones, printer, scanner, copier and photo equipment.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication or a related field required.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in graphic design with a digital portfolio required.
• Experience in graphic design with demonstrated proficiency in using current technology such as Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Google Drive and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of digital asset management platforms, prepress, and printing management software.
• Higher education experience preferred.

Mental Demands

• Ability to adapt and work in a fast paced , team-based, collaborative environment.
• Customer service-oriented, with the ability to relate well to a diverse array of campus clients, including faculty, staff and students.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects at one time.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to learn new skills by practicing quality improvement.
• High level of creativity, energy, enthusiasm and motivation.
• Must possess initiative and be able to work independently, making decisions as necessary.
• Ability to use good judgment when handling confidential, or sensitive, college material.

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time position requiring a presence on campus during normal working hours, with occasional night or weekend work.
• This role involves periods of sitting and screen use, as well as collaboration with stakeholders across campus.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Travel to attend professional development opportunities or conferences may be required.
• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website .

BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums
• Time off: Enjoy substantial vacation time
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options , including the state retirement plan or a 401(a) with a 12% employer contribution

NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS

• Please complete an application: . Submit a cover letter and resume.
• The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.

To apply, visit