Art Director, Invitations & Correspondence

Within University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) Creative Studio, this Art Director role drives the creative direction and design leadership behind invitations and correspondence for high-impact university moments. You will guide projects from early concept through production, balancing typographic craft, institutional protocol, and premium print finishing to deliver cohesive communications for a range of audiences.

The position is based on campus in Austin, Texas, with local travel to printers and production vendors as needed to review proofs, paper samples, and specialty work.

What you will do

• Lead concept development and design for invitations, save-the-dates, programs, menus, place cards, stationery, correspondence, envelopes, and related print and event collateral, maintaining a consistent creative approach across assets.
• Set visual direction for assigned projects while applying advanced typography standards, hierarchy, spacing, composition, and editorial detail.
• Translate the University brand into sophisticated communications for presidential, donor, academic, institutional, and other high-profile audiences.
• Adapt creative strategy across formal ceremonies and dinners, athletics-related experiences, celebrations, and campus traditions.
• Present concepts, explain design rationale, and incorporate stakeholder feedback while protecting the quality and integrity of the work.
• Act as a University resource for invitation etiquette, formal correspondence standards, and event-related protocol.
• Develop and refine invitation copy, including host lines, names and titles, dates, times, locations, attire, RSVP language, and other event details.
• Partner with event professionals, communications teams, and University stakeholders to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and alignment with the intended audience.
• Direct production from initial concept through final delivery, including expertise in paper selection, engraving, letterpress, foil stamping, embossing, die cutting, and other specialty printing and finishing techniques.
• Evaluate production approaches, materials, vendors, timelines, and budgets based on creative requirements.
• Maintain relationships with printers, stationers, and specialty vendors to support exceptional quality, service, and value for the University.
• Review estimates, production specifications, and proofs, and perform press checks as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Executive Creative Director, art directors, designers, event professionals, communications teams, and University partners through the creative and production process.
• Provide creative guidance and production expertise to other designers and contributors as needed.
• Create templates, guidelines, and best practices to strengthen quality and consistency for University invitations and correspondence.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, schedules, and deliverables while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least three years of professional graphic design or art direction experience, including work on invitations, stationery, event collateral, print design, or other high-end brand materials.
• Portfolio demonstrating sophisticated design, exceptional typography, and the ability to sustain cohesive creative direction across multiple deliverables.
• Strong knowledge of invitation and correspondence conventions, print production, premium papers, and specialty finishes.
• Experience producing distinctive work within established brand standards.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Strong project management and proofreading skills, with exceptional attention to detail.

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Figma

Compensation

$85,000 per year (salary range: $85,000+ depending on qualifications).

Work setting and schedule

• Onsite role in Austin, TX, required to work on campus.
• Ability to travel locally to printers and other production vendors as needed to review proofs, paper samples, and production work.
• Typical office environment.
• Occasional evening, weekend, or additional hours may be required to support University events, production schedules, or press checks.

Application materials

• Resume/CV including a link to a portfolio demonstrating relevant design work.
• 3 work references with contact information (at least one reference should be from a supervisor).
• Letter of interest.

Employment eligibility and compliance

• Regular staff employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings recruited through University-Wide or Open Recruiting.
• At least one criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s).
• Retirement plan eligibility: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
• Work authorization: if hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form and present acceptable original documents no later than the third day of employment.
• E-Verify: the University uses E-Verify for new hires effective May 2015 (company ID number: 854197).
• Compliance notes: employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), and Campus Security Authority requirements may apply.

Equal opportunity statement

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with applicable federal and state nondiscrimination and affirmative action laws.