Graphic Design Program Manager

The University of Notre Dame’s College of Engineering is seeking a Graphic Design Program Manager to join the Communications and Marketing team. This role focuses on creating and maintaining high-quality visual content for digital and print channels, supporting the College’s visual identity and strategic priorities.

Summary

As a key member of the College’s Communications and Marketing team, the Graphic Design Program Manager develops creative strategy and manages visual content across multiple platforms. The position strengthens the College’s identity by translating academic initiatives and communications objectives into effective design concepts, while also supporting special projects assigned by leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design a range of primarily digital communications and marketing materials in line with established University of Notre Dame and College of Engineering brand standards.
• Create visual content for College and department websites, student recruitment materials, digital advertising and display promotions, social media, presentations, signage, newsletters, invitations, letters, and event promotions.
• Produce compelling visual assets that communicate academic programs, research, people, initiatives, accomplishments, and strategic priorities.
• Maintain visual consistency, accessibility, and brand alignment across all creative outputs.
• Manage, update, and refresh visual content across the College’s six websites, including the College website and five department websites.
• Collect, resize, optimize, and prepare photography and other visual assets for web stories, e-newsletters, social media, and other digital communications.
• Coordinate art direction for photography and video projects with members of the communications and marketing team.
• Design and format e-newsletters, presentations, invitations, letters, signage, and other communications materials.
• Monitor and identify opportunities to modernize visual communications as programs, priorities, and audiences evolve.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and other team members to develop creative strategies and plans that support College strategic priorities.
• Translate communications objectives and complex academic initiatives into clear visual concepts and creative solutions.
• Support communications efforts related to new academic programs, faculty and student initiatives, research achievements, major milestones, events, and other College priorities.
• Support coordination of visual communications across channels to ensure consistent messaging and reinforcement of the College’s identity.
• Develop creative concepts and design solutions for special projects assigned by the Dean or Director of Communications and Marketing.
• Lead visual strategy and design execution for special initiatives, including web pages, presentations, signage, campaigns, and other high-priority projects.
• Balance creative quality with project timelines, stakeholder needs, and established brand guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Experience designing for digital platforms, including websites, email communications, social media, and other digital channels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across a complex organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with e-newsletter platforms such as Mailchimp or Emma.
• Experience with content management systems, preferably WordPress.
• Experience working within established institutional or corporate brand standards.
• Experience developing creative for higher education, academic, nonprofit, or similarly mission-driven organizations.
• Experience collaborating with photographers, videographers, writers, marketers, and other creative professionals.

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
• Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Word, Excel
• Mailchimp, Emma, WordPress

Core Competencies

• Creative excellence, including strong visual design skills and audience-focused creative development.
• Strategic thinking to align design decisions with broader communications and organizational goals.
• Collaboration across departments and disciplines with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Project management to prioritize demands, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality work.
• Attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and brand standards.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities and varied project types.
• Communication skills to understand complex information and translate it into engaging visual communications.

Location and Compensation

• Location: Notre Dame, IN 46556 (onsite)
• Annual Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Application Details

• Application Deadline: October 2, 2026
• Documents Required for Full Consideration: Resume, Cover Letter, and Three Graphic Design Samples