Director of Graphic Design

Lead the graphic design function for Rice University Athletics by shaping visual identity, creative execution, and photography coverage across athletics priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the graphic design function for Rice University Athletics, setting visual direction and brand standards for Athletics, the Owl Club, and other external-facing initiatives
• Develop and execute high-level creative concepts for department-wide brand campaigns, marketing initiatives, postseason campaigns, recruiting efforts, special events, and other priority projects
• Provide creative direction and oversee graphic design output across Rice Athletics to maintain quality, consistency, and alignment with departmental and university brand standards
• Create high-level visual content for social media, digital platforms, recruiting, print materials, presentations, environmental graphics, signage, video boards, ribbon boards, and other departmental platforms
• Build and maintain graphic design systems, templates, standards, and workflows to support a consistent visual identity across Rice Athletics
• Collaborate with Creative Services, Communications, Marketing, Development, Ticketing, and sport programs to develop creative strategies and visual solutions aligned to departmental priorities
• Manage design workflows, including prioritizing requests, coordinating projects, setting timelines, and ensuring delivery
• Lead photography strategy and coverage for Rice Athletics, ensuring appropriate coverage of designated games, events, practices, recruiting initiatives, and special events
• Photograph designated events and initiatives while overseeing editing, organization, distribution, and archiving of photography assets
• Coordinate and direct freelance photographers, student photographers, student designers, interns, and other creative contributors as needed for coverage
• Serve as a resource for coaches and staff on visual branding, graphic design, photography, and creative best practices
• Identify opportunities to evolve the Rice Athletics visual identity and introduce innovative creative approaches while maintaining brand standards
• Stay current on trends and best practices in sports design, photography, branding, social media, and visual storytelling
• Mentor and develop student interns and other creative personnel
• Perform additional related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three or more years of relevant professional experience in graphic design, creative services, sports creative, marketing, or a related field
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Proven experience developing and maintaining visual identities and brand systems
• Strong knowledge of typography, layout, color theory, photography, and print and digital production
• Demonstrated ability to provide creative direction and lead multiple projects from concept through execution
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize creative resources in a fast-paced environment
• Working knowledge of photography equipment, editing workflows, and asset management

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within collegiate or professional athletics
• Experience leading graphic design or creative direction for a sports organization or brand
• Experience photographing live sporting events
• Experience managing or mentoring designers, photographers, interns, freelancers, or other creative personnel

Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• InDesign

Workplace Requirements

• Work nights, weekends, and holidays based on team schedules
• Regular travel is required

Work Location

• On-site role: all duties must be performed in person on campus