Graphic Design Lead

UL Research Institutes is hiring a Graphic Design Lead for the Columbia, Maryland office to shape creative direction and oversee end-to-end graphic design work for Fire Safety and related teams.

Responsibilities

• Own creative direction and vision across graphic design projects, keeping work aligned with brand and organizational goals through brainstorming, concept development, and ideation
• Manage the full design project lifecycle from concept through execution, with focus on meeting deadlines and quality standards
• Partner with project managers, content creators, and stakeholders to define scope, objectives, and deliverables
• Allocate resources, manage team workloads, and delegate tasks within the design team
• Create design content across digital and print channels, including social and newsletter graphics, digital/web ads, and print or event collateral
• Build templated document systems, presentation materials, illustrations, and other design assets using appropriate tools and software
• Ensure deliverables are visually compelling, user-friendly, and consistent with messaging and brand guidelines
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing communications, instructional design, and research, to translate project requirements into effective design solutions
• Perform detailed design reviews for accuracy, consistency, and alignment to project goals; provide constructive feedback and guidance to improve final work
• Monitor industry trends, tools, and best practices; research and propose new techniques and technologies to elevate team output
• Contribute to and/or lead department-specific and cross-functional initiatives

Requirements

• Advanced visual design knowledge and proficiency
• Strong proficiency with graphic design tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant tools
• Demonstrated leadership and team management ability, including mentoring and guiding junior designers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting and articulating design concepts
• In-depth understanding of design principles, typography, layout, and brand systems
• Preferred: working knowledge of print production and prepress, including file preparation with bleeds, CMYK, and die lines, plus collaboration with print vendors
• Able to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities simultaneously
• Problem-solving mindset and adaptability to changing project requirements
• Minimum 8 years of relevant professional graphic design experience
• Portfolio evidence including digital/web ads and social/newsletter graphics, production-ready print work, and template/document systems
• Plus: 2D and/or 3D animation or motion graphics experience
• Plus: illustration, icon design, animation, or motion graphics experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Visual Communication, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• InDesign

Benefits

• Bonus compensation
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay
• Additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment
• Depending on role, ability to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager
• Paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days

Location: Columbia, MD (onsite)

Salary: USD 81,456 - 112,002 per yearly (Salary)