Creative Brand and Design Specialist

Position: Creative Brand and Design Specialist 1
Salary: $21.11 Hourly
Location : Youngstown, Ohio
Job Type: Classified
Job Number:
Division: University Relations
Department: Marketing & Communications
Opening Date: 01/13/2026
Bargaining Unit Status: Association of Classified Employees (ACE)
Salary Grade: AN
Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

Summary of Position

The class works under general supervision and electronically designs and coordinates printed and digital communication materials and publications. The class requires considerable knowledge of computer-generated graphic design and available software, as well as graphic design branding, and visual communications in order to create, design, and produce electronic designs and coordinate printed communications materials such as publications, illustrations, posters, graphs, charts, brochures, newsletters, forms, web graphics, multi-media displays, billboards, and/or maps.
Position Information
100% - Originates electronic designs by operating computer hardware and using appropriate software to manipulate images and combine photographic images with computer-generated images to communicate messages/information; coordinates work by contacting writers, photographers, and management as needed; establishes deadlines to ensure timely publication; identifies amount of copy for allocated space in publication; ensures compliance with postal regulations.
Identifies and advises print vendors of services needed; ensures product quality and timeliness of printed communication materials and publications; determines standards and most efficient methods of production to consider time frames and/or cost; uses mediums as appropriate to design publications and reviews final draft before printing; evaluates finished product and analyzes success of print media; works with editorial team, other departmental personnel, and/or external consultants and/or advertisement agents to develop creative concepts;

directs and locates available graphic support materials.
Follows established graphic and branding standards to ensure all materials are visually consistent, professional, and aligned with the organization's brand guidelines. Ensures accurate use of logos, colors, typography, and layouts across all deliverables.
Recommends policies and procedures in regards to graphic design, media, printing methods, papers, and inks for projects; develops visual concepts and coordinates design projects with staff and/or vendors to discuss scope of work, establish deadlines, identify specifications, cost controls, and quality products; creates and/or edits content for graphic designs; coordinates purchase of materials and/or services with vendors for digital output of proofs, color imaging, and print services.
Ensures support files are included and formatted in accordance with printer stipulations.
Researches stock photography as needed; works with photographer and creates/designs visual elements for print materials including, but not limited to publications, fact sheets, and/or promotions.
Develops and prepares communications/marketing materials for internal and external audiences as assigned; creates new electronic graphics and converts existing graphics between computer platforms using thorough knowledge of graphic design software such as Photoshop, PowerPoint, InDesign, etc.
Maintains an archive of finished projects.
Other Functions and Responsibilities: Assists with training new hires.
Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.
Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Supervision Exercised: May exercise supervision over student employees.
Reports to: Layout Design Supervisor
Qualifications and Competencies
Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures: None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of: university policies and procedures related to marketing, design projects, and communications; the most current university branding to ensure visual marketing consistencies*; graphic design; appropriate visual treatments and techniques.
Skill in: verbal and written communication, use and maintenance of materials, tools, and equipment associated with the field of graphic design, marketing, and visual communication.
Ability to: manage multiple projects with varying deadlines simultaneously; organize and maintain a workflow; deal with problems involving several variables in familiar context; interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, or picture form; maintain accurate records; work alone on most tasks; cooperate with co-workers on group projects.
(*) Developed after employment.
Minimum Qualifications: At least a bachelor's degree in art, graphic art, graphic design, or another related field; OR an associate degree in art, graphic art, graphic design, or another related field and a minimum of two years of related professional experience; OR a high school diploma or GED…