Graphic Designer
rice universityHouston (TX)
About the role
Graphic Designer Rice University's Creative Services team within the Office of Public Affairs is seeking a Graphic Designer. The Graphic Designer will plan, produce, and design visual content that promotes Rice across digital and print platforms. Reporting to the Director of Creative Services, the Graphic Designer serves as a full-lifecycle creative professional responsible for project ideation, client communication, asset creation, and final production delivery. The Graphic Designer is well versed in emerging design trends, utilizes cutting-edge design technology, and prepares files flawlessly for commercial print vendors and digital channels. The Graphic Designer works with internal creative teams to support initiatives within the Office of Public Affairs, as well as with communications teams across the university. Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume, cover letter, and a link to a digital portfolio in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues. Portfolios should demonstrate both conceptual "big idea" thinking and polished, production-ready execution.
Workplace Requirements:
Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
This position is based at Rice University in Houston, Texas, and requires regular collaboration with colleagues across campus. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for major university events or publication deadlines.
Hiring Range: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Fine Arts, or a related field
- In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
- Two to three years of professional graphic design experience in an agency or fast-paced in-house creative team
Skills:
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and collaborative design tools (Figma, Canva) Familiarity with digital design tools, emerging creative AI technologies, and current and future design trends Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting ideas to clients and collaborating with external vendors Organized, creative, and able to take direction while meeting deadlines and project schedules Preferences: Experience in higher education, agency, or complex in-house marketing environments Experience with multi-page publications, large-format print/signage, or invitation and fulfillment packaging Familiarity with basic motion graphics, micro-animations, or digital content creation tools Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team player and eagerness to learn, grow, and receive constructive feedback Knowledge of and proficiency in print preparation, prepress specifications (bleeds, color profiles, die lines), and vendor coordination
Essential Functions:
- Serves as a catalyst for creative thinking, project timeliness, and successful project completion
- Develops and produces visual solutions by designing university digital and print materials, including directing photography and managing print production
- Provides professional graphic design and print production services for university projects assigned by the Director of Creative Services
- Creates designs and maintains the visual quality, consistency, and tone of university print and web materials, ensuring content remains current and follows best practices
- Understands and implements the university brand identity, ensuring consistent branded communications for internal and external audiences
- Coordinates workflow among design development teams, vendors, and print shops to ensure quality and process efficiency
- Keeps current with design trends, emerging technologies, software developments, and industry issues that enhance graphic design, sharing relevant information with the Creative Services team
- Performs other duties as assigned
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.