Communications & Design Specialist - People, Equity, and Culture (Part-Time, Temporary))

The Division of People, Equity, and Culture (PEC) at GVSU is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Communications & Design Specialist to join our team in a part-time capacity. This person plays a key role in supporting the visual communication needs for the division, helping to promote and advance our story at Grand Valley. Responsibilities will include creating engaging graphics, digital content and print materials, for both internal and external audiences. The ideal team member will have a strong eye for design, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to translate complex information into visually compelling graphics that reflect the university’s mission and brand.

Compensation: $20.00 per hour

Primary Responsibilities

• Design: Develop creative, visually appealing branded print and digital materials including flyers, reports, presentations, social media assets, web pages, and more.
• Branding & Identity: Ensure all designs adhere to the university's established branding guidelines and maintain consistency in visual identity across all materials.
• Website Content & Design: Write, update, and organize content for departmental websites within the division, while ensuring consistency with university web standards and accessibility guidelines. Support ongoing updates to department websites, ensuring content accuracy and usability.
• Collaboration: Work closely with faculty, staff, and students within the division to understand their design needs, objectives, and target audiences. Provide design support for university events, initiatives, and campaigns.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Writing, Communications, Graphic Design, Marketing, or related field
• Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and/or Adobe Express), and/or Canva
• Experience with website management or working in a content management system
• Strong written communication skills
• Ability to conceptualize and execute creative designs that meet the needs of various audiences while adhering to the university’s brand guidelines
• Familiarity with digital accessibility principles and inclusive design best practices
• Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Two years of experience in graphic design, communications, or related field
• Experience in a higher education or nonprofit setting
• Understanding of branding and style standards

How to Apply: Attach your resume and a minimum of two (2) examples of your work. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Chelsea Best (bestchel@gvsu.edu). If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline: Application closes Sunday August 3, 2025.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

 

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.